9 Things You Should Know About Capital Campaigns

Nov 20, 2025 | Fundraising, Jacobs Blog, Jacobs Camp Capital Campaign

Jacobs Camp is a cornerstone of Jewish life in the South, and its future depends on all of us; families, alumni, and the broader Jewish community. Through the Our Camp. Our Home. Our Future. Capital Campaign, we’re investing in major renovations and upgrades to our 50-year-old facilities to preserve our legacy and meet the needs of today’s campers and families.

Since publicly launching our campaign on November 16th, you might be wondering, What exactly is a capital campaign, and how does it work?
Here are 9 things you should know about a capital campaign, and what they mean for Jacobs Camp.

1 - What Even Is a Capital Campaign?

A capital campaign is a focused, time-limited fundraising effort to support major investments, including facilities, scholarships, or endowments, that shape an organization’s future. While annual giving supports current operations, a capital campaign fuels long-term growth and transformation.

The Our Camp. Our Home. Our Future. Capital Campaign will strengthen Jewish life in the Deep South by renovating and building new facilities that help Jacobs Camp attract and retain more campers for generations to come.

2 – The Planning Takes Years

Before a campaign goes public, years of research and planning such as feasibility studies, goal setting, and case development, lay the groundwork for success.

Jacobs Camp began this process in 2021, developing a once-in-a-generation vision to secure its future.

3 – It’s a Community-Building Effort Along With Fundraising

Capital campaigns unite communities around a shared vision, rekindling engagement and pride among alumni, families, and supporters.
Many dedicated Jacobs volunteers have given their time and talent to make this campaign thrive. Reach out to any of them to learn more!

Campaign Co-Chairs

  • Diane & Alan Franco (New Orleans, LA)
  • Robin & Billy Orgel (Memphis, TN)
  • Linda & Mark Posner (Baton Rouge, LA)

Honorary Co-Chairs

  • Susan and Macy B. Hart (Jackson, MS)

Committee Chairs

  • Kathy & Jack Grundfest (Little Rock, AR) — Pacesetter Gifts
  • Danny Mansberg (Memphis, TN) & Michael Levy (Atlanta, GA) — Major Gifts
  • Rella & David Zapletal (New Orleans, LA) — Naming
  • Rabbi Bob Loewy (Houston, TX) — Rabbinic
  • Ellen Balkin (New Orleans, LA), Michele Gelman (New Orleans, LA), & Michelle Soll (Houston, TX) — Awareness

Committee Volunteers

  • Amanda Abrams (Atlanta, GA)
  • Anna Aronson (New York, NY)
  • Joel Ashner (Atlanta, GA)
  • Jill & Steve Bauman (Little Rock, AR)
  • Helaine Braunig (Shreveport, LA)
  • Richard Cahn (New Orleans, LA)
  • Rabbi Denise Eger (Austin, TX)
  • Jennifer Gilbert (Memphis, TN)
  • Susan & Lou Good (New Orleans, LA)
  • Morris Mintz (New Orleans, LA)
  • Abram Orlansky (Jackson, MS)
  • Janis Rabin (New Orleans, LA)
  • David Reagler (Hot Springs, AR)
  • Judy Royal (Memphis, TN)
  • Joel Seligstein (Park City, UT)
  • Irl Silverstein (Metairie, LA)
  • Jeff Sokol (Birmingham, AL)
  • Donna Sternberg (Baton Rouge, LA)
  • Marc Sternberg (New York, NY)
  • Mike Wasserman (New Orleans, LA)
4 – Gifts of Every Size Play a Role

Campaigns succeed through broad participation where every contribution matters. Gifts large and small show deep community commitment and build a strong foundation.

Early donors to Jacobs Camp’s campaign have given between $1,000 and $500,000, many sharing that it’s their largest gift ever. Every contribution has fueled early momentum.

5 – Annual Giving Still Matters

Annual gifts sustain daily operations while capital campaign gifts secure the future. Both are essential and work hand-in-hand.

The 2025 Annual Campaign funds scholarships, program enhancements, and small facility improvements for Summer 2026 that supports today’s campers while the Capital Campaign builds for tomorrow.

6 – Many Campaign Gifts Are Pledged Over Time

Most campaign pledges are fulfilled over three to five years, allowing donors to make a bigger impact and giving the organization stability to plan ahead.

Pledges to the Jacobs Camp campaign can be made over 3 years, or 5 years for gifts of $100,000+. Make your pledge at jacobscamp.org/capitalcampaign or contact Jacob Fijman at jfijman@urj.org.

Payments can be made by check, online, stock, ACH, wire, or cryptocurrency.

7 – Transparency Builds Trust

Sharing updates, milestones, and challenges keeps donors engaged and invested.
Explore recent blog posts highlighting campaign progress:

8 – Naming and Dedication Opportunities Matter

Naming opportunities let donors leave a lasting, visible legacy of their commitment.

Jacobs Camp offers meaningful naming and dedication opportunities, allowing families to show future generations their love for camp.

Naming Opportunities start at $25,000. We encourage you to team up! You can pool your resources with your immediate family, your kibbutz year, your Chalutzim year, or a group of friends to dedicate a special space at camp together.

9 – The Campaign’s Impact Will Last for Generations

When a campaign reaches its goal, the real impact begins: strengthening programs, facilities, and community for years to come.

The Our Camp. Our Home. Our Future. Capital Campaign will ensure Jacobs Camp continues to nurture Jewish identity, personal growth, and lifelong friendships in the Deep South.

About the Author

Jacob Fijman

Jacob Fijman is the Development Director at Henry S. Jacobs Camp. Jacob is the proud owner of a 5-year staff jacket, enjoys grilled cheese/tomato soup lunch, and wishes Kibbutz was still a thing when he was at camp!

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