Women’s Philanthropy
Overview
Our Mission
Women’s Philanthropy is a vital entity of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation whose purpose is to engage Jewish women and support the needs of the Jewish community in building a vibrant Jewish future, in Milwaukee, Israel, and around the world, through participation in philanthropy, educational opportunities, leadership development, and community involvement.
Our Power
When you exercise your power through giving, you demonstrate your dedication to and acceptance of your responsibility for the needs of the global Jewish community; you enhance your credibility and strength as a leader and policy maker; and you take your place in the long line of women who understand that one way to change the world is through philanthropy.
Volunteer
Since biblical times, Jewish women have demonstrated their ability to change the world. Whether making meals for a family or caring for the vulnerable, Jewish women have a longstanding reputation for volunteerism and lending a hand. Volunteer with Women’s Philanthropy at the Jewish Community Pantry or in another capacity.
Additionally, Women’s Philanthropy is guided by committees that empower women to contribute directly to the Federation’s programs and priorities.
Leadership
Women’s Philanthropy was founded to elevate women’s roles in leadership and giving. Women who volunteer with Women’s Philanthropy often become leaders in our community due to the leadership development they receive.
In terms of Annual Campaign leadership, Women’s Philanthropy has led the charge with women co-chairs every year for more than a decade. The Women’s Philanthropy Board teaches women to navigate the challenges of leadership, assert their voice, and be effective decision makers for the Milwaukee Jewish community.
Philanthropy
According to the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University, women hold around 40 percent of global wealth. Women around the globe are on track to be the new wave of philanthropists.
Milwaukee women philanthropists are recognized nationally through giving societies established by the Jewish Federations of North America. These societies acknowledge women who believe that significant philanthropic gifts enable them to make a difference in the lives of Jews at home and around the world.
Giving Societies
Honoring your impact and offering opportunities to get involved, build relationships, and strengthen Jewish Milwaukee
The Lion of Judah Society
Women who give an individual or family gift of $5,000 or more.
The Pomegranate Society
Women who give an individual or family gift of $1,800 to $4,999.
We’d love to connect!
Ready to get involved? Connect with us to explore the many meaningful ways you can participate in Women’s Philanthropy.
Endowment Opportunities
Endowment giving within Women’s Philanthropy provides meaningful ways to sustain your annual gift, express your values, and strengthen Jewish life for generations. Explore the opportunities below.
Lion of Judah Endowment
Ensure that an annual gift of $5,000 or more will be made in your name to Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign in perpetuity by establishing a permanent LOJE fund within the Jewish Community Foundation.
A LOJE can be funded with $118,000 or more through cash, securities, property, life insurance, or an estate plan. This investment in the future of Jewish Milwaukee honors your lifelong values and serves as a model for future generations.
Contact us for more information.
Donor Advised Funds
Create your own donor advised philanthropic fund with a tax-deductible contribution of $2,500 or more in cash, stock, or other assets.
Recommend grants to the Jewish and non-Jewish causes you support while the Foundation handles administration at no cost to you. Donor Advised Funds also make it easy to engage your family in charitable giving.
Contact us for more information.
Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund
Join a community of Jewish women making a lasting impact by contributing to the Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund. Established to support programs that directly benefit women and children in Milwaukee, JWEF uses the interest generated each year to award grants that respond to critical needs and strengthen our community.
You can become a JWEF member with a one-time gift of $1,800 (or $500 for women 35 and under), payable over two years. Additional gifts may be made at any time to grow the Fund’s impact.
Event Highlights
Take a look back at recent event photo galleries that showcase the moments, connections, and experiences that bring our community together.
Connect
Deb Carneol Fendrich serves as Senior Director of Affinities and Women’s Philanthropy at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. In her Women’s Philanthropy role, she leads strategy and execution for engagement, leadership development, and campaign efforts, overseeing volunteer leadership and donor stewardship. She also guides signature programs such as VALOR and International Women’s Day and stewards the growth of Women’s Philanthropy giving societies including Lions of Judah and Pomegranate Societies.
In her Affinities role, Deb partners with and supports the Federation’s Affinity Directors, helping them execute their visions through strategic guidance around campaign, engagement, and leadership development, while fostering cross-affinity collaboration and building strong lay leadership pipelines.
Outside of work, Deb enjoys singing, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with friends, her husband Ben, their daughters Logan and Micah, and their dog, Maya.
Leadership
Women’s Philanthropy Officers
Sara Hermanoff
Women’s Philanthropy Chair
Mindy Palay
Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair
Immediate Past Chair
Tanya Arbit
Women’s Philanthropy Board
Tanya Arbit
Robin Arenzon
Jennifer Curnes
Robyn Eiseman
Michele Ellner
Becca Guralnick
Susie Honigberg
Lindy Liberman
Rachael Marks
Jennifer Noparstak
Jodi Sprinkmann
Sue Strait
Barbara Tenin
Diane Zall
Andi Zimmerman
Courageous, caring women are my guiding light. I was raised by them, serve our community alongside them, and keep learning from them.
Sara Hermanoff Women’s Philanthropy Chair
