Jewish Federation

A Jewish Federation (Jfed) is the secular primary Jewish nonprofit organization found within most metropolitan areas (or sometimes states) in North America that host a substantial Jewish community. Their broad purpose is to provide "human services", generally, but not exclusively, to the local Jewish community. All federations at least operate an annual central campaign then allocate the proceeds to affiliated local agencies. There are 157 Jewish Federations. The national umbrella organization for the federations is the Jewish Federations of North America.

With the early colonial settlement of the Jews in America starting in 1654 in New Amsterdam, the Jews promised to look after their own. Jewish federations mimicked Kehilla, the communal organization organized in Eastern European countries but formed under the authority of local governments.^61-62

With a number of Jewish institutions forming then running their own campaign, Jewish communities felt it could be more efficient to have a single campaign that the donors only have to make one gift. The first Jewish federation was founded in Boston in 1895 as Associated Jewish Philanthropies. Cincinnati formed its federation, United Jewish Social Agencies, the next year. Chicago founded its federation in 1900 followed by St. Louis. Federations were soon formed in many other cities with large Jewish populations. Initial (1895-1945) the federation system was focused on welfare needs of individual Jews with the goal of integrating them into the US. The Jewish federations inspired the 1913 formation of the forerunner of the United Way, the community chest in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1932, an umbrella organization for the federations was formed called the National Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds.

The United Jewish Appeal (UJA) national campaign and organization was started in 1939. With the foundation of the Israel state in 1948, the UJA increased in importance.

Until the 1960s with the start of Medicaid and Medicare, federations allocated large portions of the campaign funds to Jewish hospitals.

...
Wikipedia