At its recent annual meeting, Richmond Jewish Foundation Board Chair Ron Felmus provided an overview of the Foundation over the past year, including managing more than 400 funds and working with community synagogues and agencies to help make the community stronger.
Felmus noted, “I’d like to first thank our board. I am grateful for the time, dedication and expertise that each of you brings to the Foundation. It is with your leadership that we are able to reach new heights.”
He added, “I want to thank two directors whose terms have ended. GD Rothenberg has been a valuable member of our board, and, although he has reached his term limit, GD will remain a member of our Investment Committee where his experience and insights help guide our discussions. And speaking of the Investment Committee, I want to thank Rick Looney who currently chairs our Investment Committee. Rick will also remain as a member of the Investment Committee, and we look forward to his continuing support.”
He explained, “Partnership is at the core of Richmond Jewish Foundation. This includes investing money collectively. We work hand-in-hand with 18 synagogues and community agencies to invest long-term assets, driven by the belief that we are stronger together than we are alone. With $60 million in pooled assets, we have built a robust, collaborative investment portfolio.”
He also shared, “Beyond investing long-term assets, we are proud to partner with community organizations to grow their endowments—ensuring their strength and sustainability for generations to come. With the leadership of Katie Roeper, who chairs the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s Life & Legacy initiative, and Lauren Plotkin from our professional staff, we’ve helped our community partners secure over 530 legacy gift commitments valued at more than $22 million. These commitments are building the financial support that will help sustain and enhance Jewish life in Richmond and beyond.”
RJF manages over 400 funds, including endowments that support local agencies, synagogues, and specific areas of interest, as well as donor-advised funds that allow contributors to recommend grants to the charities of their choice, on their own schedule. Since January 2024 alone, RJF has distributed more than $7 million to support its local partners and shared mission. These distributions include scholarships for Jewish camps, gifts for annual operating expenses at synagogues and agencies, grants to support immersive Israel travel experiences, and funds to support new and innovative programs to engage young adults.
Earlier, Foundation CEO Dan Brandeis helped to welcome attendees to the joint Annual Meeting of the Foundation, JFS and Jewish Federation.
Brandeis noted, “We are here tonight together to celebrate, honor and most importantly be together. While it is JFS, Richmond Jewish Foundation and Jewish Federation, we are really representing all the amazing agencies and synagogues in our Greater Richmond Community.
