2024 Annual Report

Last year, we responded to crises like the October 7 tragedy and rising antisemitism, supported those in need, and fostered meaningful Jewish experiences—all made possible by generous community support.

View the full report

FY24 Annual Report PDF

Dear Friends,

In a year defined by the tragedy of October 7, rising antisemitism, soaring prices and ongoing mental health challenges, our ability to act immediately and deliver crucial support showcased the incredible power of The Associated and its network.

That power was never more apparent than how quickly we responded to the horrific events of October 7 when we learned that terrorists had massacred and kidnapped innocent men, women and children in communities, kibbutzim and at the Nova Music Festival.

We opened our Israel Emergency Campaign, and you gave generously. Thanks to the many relationships we have invested in throughout the years, including with our overseas partners and the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership, we were in Israel on October 8 providing on-the-ground humanitarian and trauma assistance.

At home, we invested in security, education and advocacy to address the rise in antisemitism in our community and on college campuses. We maintained a safety net to support those struggling with challenges, addressing trauma, mental health and financial distress, providing resources to help everyone succeed. We continued our work in Ukraine, not only providing humanitarian assistance to this war-torn country but incredible Jewish experiences to the members of our partnership community of Odesa.

Recognizing the deep desire within our Jewish community to express their identity and heritage, we created additional opportunities for meaningful Jewish experiences, allowing us all to proudly celebrate and connect with our shared traditions.

This year also marked a transition in leadership, as Marc Terrill stepped down, and we welcomed new leadership as Andrew Cushnir took over the helm as President and CEO. We look forward to continuing to build upon our century of impact and to creating innovative and effective solutions to the challenges we may face.

Throughout these pages, you will read about the programs we implemented, the stories of those we helped in our community and the impact of our work. This year, we combined our Annual Report with our Honor Roll, recognizing the many people who have invested in our community, because we realize that one simply could not exist without the other.

Your support of our combined fundraising efforts—our Annual Campaign, endowments, corporate sponsorships and extra funds raised for antisemitism and Israel—empowers us to do the vital work we do.

In addition, our collaboration with our local partners, including synagogues and day schools is critical in helping us strengthen our community. We also couldn’t have done it without our leaders, our donors and our talented professionals throughout our Associated network who make this all happen every single day.

Supporting Israel and
Our Global Jewish Community

This year was defined by October 7 – this horrific day transformed our Jewish homeland, causing ongoing trauma and displacement for many Israeli citizens and change us as a Jewish people.

In response, The Associated brought Baltimoreans together, organizing for the March for Israel in Washington, D.C., calling for the hostages’ release and traveling to Israel to witness firsthand the needs and to provide support.

We created an Israel Emergency Campaign, raising millions of dollars from our community to support emergency basic needs and to combat the trauma and economic fallout from the attack and subsequent conflict. Through this campaign, we leveraged our decades of work with partners in Israel to provide immediate relief for victims and their families.

8700

connections were made between our Shinshinim, Israeli emissaries, and our community members.

3000

hot meals a day for two months post - October 7 were handed out in Ashkelon.

percent said that we provided information or viewpoints on Israel they would not typically see in the news.

Building Lasting Friendships Across Oceans

Evan, from Baltimore and Adam, from Ashkelon, formed a deep friendship through The Associated’s Diller Teen Fellowship Program at the JCC, connecting over their shared Jewish identity despite different interests in sports and music. After October 7, their bond grew stronger. “As I saw what Adam was going through, I gained a unique perspective on Israel, and it strengthened my ties to our Jewish homeland,” said Evan. For Adam, the friendship provided vital support. “It was a place to share my thoughts, fears and emotions,” he shared. Even after the program ended, their connection remained. “It’s like we’ve been friends for years,” added Evan.

Responding to the Surge of Antisemitism

Antisemitic incidents reached historic levels following the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. This ignited a wave of vicious anti-Israel protests and antisemitic incidents on college campuses, in social media and in cities across the nation.

We secured millions of dollars in local and national security grants for synagogues, schools and Jewish organizations at risk of hate crimes. We advocated for hate crimes legislation and supported a bill requiring educators to learn about antisemitism and Islamophobia to deter incidents and assess Holocaust education gaps.

We worked with our five local Hillels to ensure Jewish students felt safe, providing security, guidance and programs fostering Jewish pride. Through classroom visits and our Speakers Bureau, Holocaust survivors shared stories with students and educators, inspiring the importance of standing against antisemitism and hate today.

million dollars was secured in security funding to protect Jewish organizations in Baltimore.

200

security consultations provided to synagogues, schools and Jewish organizations statewide.

5000

students reached through programs addressing antisemitism and anti-Zionism, featuring Holocaust survivors and discussions on Israeli history and the ongoing conflict.

Providing a Safe Haven for Jewish Students on Campus

For Alexis Silhavy, a University of Maryland, College Park junior, Maryland Hillel provided essential support. “When October 7 happened, the campus climate was challenging,” she recalls, “but it would have been much worse without a strong Jewish community. Everyone came together in such beautiful ways.” With Hillel’s guidance, students raised dollars for Israel, hosted solidarity events and organized a campus-wide Shabbat dinner. “Hillel provides a second home for Jewish students,” Alexis says, pledging to continue supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism.

Celebrating Jewish Joy

We came together as a community following the October 7 terrorist attacks and surge in antisemitism. Recognizing we wanted to connect, we created meaningful opportunities to connect through Jewish traditions, literature and culture, bringing families together to celebrate Shabbat, holidays and the joy of Jewish life. We inspired the next generation and strengthened connections across all ages, life stages and geographic locations, introducing many to the richness of Jewish community and values.

We engaged more teens than ever in Jewish advocacy, social justice, and Israel, helping them build networks and foster lasting connections. Monthly gatherings united us in solidarity with Israel, providing moments to honor victims, sing, pray and embrace Jewish heritage.

Amid rising challenges, we created spaces for people of all backgrounds to learn, reflect and engage in deep conversations. These efforts rekindled interest in Jewish life, fostering a renewed sense of belonging, joy and connection to our community.

3500

children received free Jewish books monthly through community initiatives.

3500

students engaged with Jewish programming across five Maryland campuses.

percent increase in teen enrollment in Jewish programs through expanded initiatives.

Building Jewish Community

As a first-generation American, Briana Arnold grew up with pride in her Jewish heritage, instilled by parents who fled the former Soviet Union. It wasn’t until becoming a mother and a Connector, through our Macks Jewish Connection Network, that she fully embraced the importance of her identity. “Being a Connector has reminded me why I love being Jewish,” she says. After October 7, she saw the community’s strength: “People needed to engage, to talk, to feel part of a Jewish community. We became stronger.”

Ensuring our Community’s Well-being

We were there to support our community, ensuring that every person had the opportunity to reach their full potential. From students with learning challenges to mothers escaping abusive relationships and widowers seeking connection, our network brought hope and meaningful resources. For older adults, we provided programs that fostered independence, social engagement and practical support like transportation for essential errands. Holocaust survivors received financial aid, mental health services and opportunities to connect through cultural and social gatherings.

In response to rising anxiety, depression and domestic violence, intensified by the events of October 7, we expanded mental health services and offered tools for parents, educators and counselors to address critical issues like self-esteem and peer conflict. As inflation strained households, we offered financial counseling, employment training and job opportunities, helping individuals regain stability.

4000

direct service sessions provided monthly for students with learning disabilities, including reading, math and social skills support.

3500

older adults engaged in social activities, classes and technology sessions to reduce isolation.

9000

counseling and therapy sessions held to support mental health and well-being.

Helping Families Financially When the Unexpected Occurs

After losing her husband, Katelyn Vaughn faced the challenge of keeping her three sons—Roman, Hadrian and Balian—engaged while working full-time. Grieving and struggling financially, she turned to our agency, Jewish Community Services, which covered most of the boys’ camp tuition for two years. “They played outside all day and made so many friends,” Katelyn shared. Now remarried and raising five children, Katelyn is grateful for the support that helped her family heal and thrive. “They made this happen, and I am so grateful.”

Financial Summary

The audited financial summary information presented herein includes the accounts of The Associated (operating fund) and its affiliated organization, the Associated Jewish Charities (AJC) that covers the Capital, Endowment, Donor Advised and Supporting Foundations funds. View Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activities.

Securing Our Future

The Associated maintains its network’s assets and those of other outside organizations who choose to participate through the Jewish Community Investment Fund (JCIF). This diverse investment fund stewards The Associated’s endowments, foundations and donor advised funds, as well as the investments of numerous organizations and foundations throughout Baltimore. This collective strategy empowers the totality of our Baltimore Jewish community to access world-class investment options for our present and future. View all FY24 Distributions.

FY25 Funding Plan

The Associated’s allocations across our network is a result of the careful consideration of many lay leaders working hundreds of hours to best use precious philanthropic resources for the good of our community. View the funding plan.

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