The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore will launch its annual campaign for 2026 with a “first-of-its-kind” in-person event at The Associated Network Leadership Summit on Sept. 7.
Speakers will present to attendees and explore The Associated’s work across the community. The event will provide a networking opportunity for community members and professionals.
The Associated said that this year represents a unique annual campaign kickoff because it’s the first year that it is bringing together community leaders from across Baltimore in one event experience to lay the foundation for the year ahead.
Traditionally, the organization has presented its campaign kickoffs by bringing together fundraising volunteers and leadership.
“This year, we are focusing on a gathering of all leaders from across The Associated network for an important conversation about the issues facing Jewish Baltimore. There will be various leadership conversations, and then we will launch into a Super Sunday-style phoning to encourage participation in the annual campaign. We will be reaching out to the community through phone calls, emails, letters and texts,” said Michelle Gordon, executive vice president and acting chief development officer at The Associated.
Gordon said that the annual campaign is the “backbone” of The Associated in that it provides funding for important programs and services that support the Baltimore Jewish community.
Those include support for vulnerable people, Jewish education and engagement, combating antisemitism and helping the organization’s partners in Ashkelon, Israel, and Odesa, Ukraine. Gordon said The Associated is trying to deal with the threat of rising antisemitism, care for an aging population and connect people to the Jewish community.
“At the same time, the cost of providing services is rising. Thanks to our annual campaign and the generous donors who contribute, we are able to do the work that is needed to address these challenges and build a stronger Jewish community for our children and grandchildren,” Gordon said.
Gordon said that the fundraising campaign will run through June 30, 2026, but she added that the sooner they meet the “ambitious” funding goal they set, the sooner they will be able to work on a plan of how to use the money.
The Associated’s website says that the organization raises over $50 million annually through the annual campaign, various endowments and other fundraising efforts.
Gordon said that The Associated decides how to use the money it raises by looking at community priorities and finding the agencies and programs in its network that best address the challenges for which the community wants solutions.
The Network Leadership Summit is free, but prospective attendees must register. The event includes three sections: a 45-minute briefing, “Rising to the Challenges Together,” an hour-long breakout session with one group for agency leaders and another for Associated leaders and donors and a 90-minute session called “Super Sunday Phoning and Lunch.”
During these sessions, the organization said attendees will get the chance to hear from speakers and learn about the entire Associated network.
“The speakers and sessions will help everyone see the bigger picture of how their work contributes to something greater. Whether it’s raising funds, delivering services or advocating for Jewish identity and safety, each participant leaves with a clearer sense of purpose and direction,” Gordon said.
Gordon added that having the entire network come together for a single event allows The Associated to present a “shared understanding” of its mission, goals for the upcoming year and the pressing needs of the community.
Gordon said she hopes people walk away from the summit with a sense of unity and a desire to rally together to meet the challenging moment the Baltimore Jewish community finds itself in today.
“Baltimore has a strong foundation based on the 105 years of dedicated leaders who have made us what we are today. We are at a crossroads in facing various challenges, and the leaders of today are rising to meet the moment. As a lifelong Baltimorean, I have faith in this community to rise up and meet the challenges head on, but we need everyone’s participation and support to do what needs to be done,” Gordon said.
