Fundraising University is an intensive year-long program of the JFNA Mandel Center for Leadership Excellence in partnership with JFNA’s Philanthropic Resources department. It was created to help a select cohort of top professionals improve their managerial, development and leadership skills. The cohort of only 21 professionals from around the country will work with top mentors within and outside of the organization and will travel to Israel as part of their educational journey. 

Jewish Federation CEO Judy Alperin commented that “it is no surprise that Amy Holtz was selected after participating in a highly competitive process. Amy has already demonstrated her great skill and potential to drive our development efforts. Fundraising University will provide her with the tools, knowledge and cohort of colleagues to help her take us to the next level.” Alperin, a Fundraising University graduate of the inaugural cohort takes extra pride in this accomplishment.

As the Chief Development Officer for Federation, Holtz overseas all fundraising efforts in the organization, which in 2018 raised nearly $4 million. Amy sees her mission as “raising funds for our community while engaging as many people as possible in the activities of the JCC and Federation”. When asked why she does what she does, Amy goes back to her Jewish upbringing and to values taught at home by her parents. 

“My parents were committed leaders and deeply involved with their local Jewish community. They taught us at a young age that as Jews we are commanded to perform acts of Tikkun Olum (repairing the world). We all need to take care of each other, now more than ever.”