Seeding the 'Patch'

Umbrella organizations have been around for hundreds of years, and it is important in these times when all non-profits are struggling to survive that supporters of such organizations understand their purpose.

It is not uncommon for donors, especially of the X and Y generations, to question why giving to such an organization makes sense over giving directly to one place. From where I sit, “umbrellas” provide the necessary oversight and review to not only make sure that funded programs are necessary and fiscally responsible, but they also are able to review all the needs of a specific community and allocate funds accordingly.

The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley is one of these “umbrellas.” As an employee for the Federation, I spend a lot of time trying to explain to our potential donors the importance of being such an organization and exactly what we do. One of the best terms I’ve heard to describe what we do is “seeding.”

The Federation is responsible for seeding the pumpkins (organizations) in our pumpkin patch (Silicon Valley.) We do this by giving them our love in all manners of the word; like a parent to a child, we hand over money, resources and advice. And, like a parent, we get to watch as our seedlings sprout into beautiful pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Some days they need a little extra love, some more water and help unwinding from a vine. Mostly we just get to work with them to ensure that our local Jewish community is among the thriving “patches” in Silicon Valley.

When we were asked to blog on the Los Gatos Patch platform, we were honored to be given such an opportunity. For, while the Jewish Federation is responsible for keeping the Jewish pumpkins healthy, we embrace the opportunity to inter"twine” with all the pumpkins in our Los Gatos “Patch.”