Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ success in the 2012 Annual Community Campaign resulted in a 1.3 percent increase in new allocable dollars for 2013-14, allowing Federation’s Board of Directors to approve a plan to distribute a total of $8,495,456 to agencies and programs. In this second year of a new Planning and Allocations model that focuses on programs and services that align with Federation’s strategic priorities, total strategic program grants increased by 19.9 percent and now account for 28.4 percent of allocations. Four years ago, strategic program grants accounted for 16.3 percent of the total.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are excited to be able to target dollars directly to areas that have been identified as most critical to achieve our goal of ensuring the future of our thriving Jewish community,” said Bob Millstone, Federation chair. “We’ve been able to continue funding great programs that engage families and young adults, like PJ Library, the Concierge for Families with Young Children and Birthright Israel, and help start new transformative programs like the Innovation Grants. We also continue to support programs that help vulnerable Jews both here in St. Louis and around the world.”

Because of improved planning, Federation had fewer carryover dollars from unspent allocations from 2012-13. Having put more dollars into action more quickly, this resulted in a slightly lower pool of allocable resources, down just 0.28 percent from last year.

“We’re grateful that the increase in our campaign funds has allowed us to advance the strategic planning vision of Federation and our community,” said Andrew Rehfeld, Federation president and CEO, “and we’re thankful for our continuing partnerships with agencies like Covenant House/Chai Apartments, Jewish Family & Children’s Service and the day schools, which do so much good work in our community.”

First-time strategic program grants were made to Congregation B’nai Amoona for the Rosh Pina Inclusion Certification program, United Against Nuclear Iran and the Israel Trauma Coalition for Emergency Preparedness in Yokneam. Strategic program grants will now be approved twice a year, in July and January, or more often if necessary. The subcommittees are working on developing programs for Jews with disabilities, outreach to vulnerable Jewish seniors, targeted services for the Orthodox community, an interfaith mission to Israel and an Israeli speaker series.

Four subcommittees that reflect Federation’s strategic fields of service—Ensuring the Jewish Future, Caring for Jews in Need–Domestic, Caring for Jews in Need–Overseas and Community  Engagement—made recommendations for distributions of funds. Each carefully examined current needs of the community, reviewed existing programs and new projects, and allocated funds accordingly. Their efforts represent the input of 75 local lay leaders and professionals of various ages, interests and viewpoints. The Planning and Allocations Committee, headed by chair Michael Oberlander, made the overall funding decisions that were sent to the Board and approved June 13.

Federation allocations breakdown for 2013-14:

• Total unrestricted allocations to local, national and overseas agencies: $5,672,097 (67 percent of total)

• Targeted strategic grant program areas: $2,396,825 (28 percent of total)

• Ensuring the Jewish Future: $1,099,689

• Caring for Jews in Need–Domestic: $582,522

• Caring for Jews in Need–Overseas: $532,489

• Community Engagement: $182,125.