I received a letter/phone call asking me to make a donation to University of Michigan Hillel. Where does Hillel get its funding and how would my contribution make a difference?

Much of Hillel's funding comes from a number of Jewish federations (the lion's share from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit), private foundations, as well as support from the different units of University of Michigan for specific co-sponsored programs. More than a third of our budget, however, has to be raised annually from parents, alumni and other friends of U-M Hillel. We simply could not sustain this extraordinary range of programs and services without the annual campaign. Your contribution is a critical part of what makes all of Hillel's programs possible.

My student doesn't go to Hillel. Why should I make an annual donation?

Your son or daughter may not have come to the Hillel building (though it's possible he or she has and just has not told you), but Hillel has certainly come to him or her. He or she saw the Residence Hall Repertory theater troupe at summer orientation, received Consider magazine in his or her residence hall mailbox, may have attended the Golden Apple lecture or a Conference on the Holocaust film or any of Hillel's High Holiday services on campus.

Hillel is in some large measure responsible for the rich culture of Jewish life on campus that sets an important tone even for students who may not be attending specific Hillel programs. Ask yourself this question: Would you have been as keen on sending your son or daughter to Michigan if it weren't such a great place for Jewish students? If your answer is no, then please help us as generously as you can to keep it that type of place.

My child graduated from Michigan. I supported Hillel while he/she was there, but why is Hillel still asking me to continue my support?

Many parents continue to support U-M Hillel after their kids graduate because they want to ensure that this kind of experience will be here for those who follow, and because they believe that the University of Michigan is a richer experience for everyone because of Hillel's active presence here. Two pretty good reasons, no?

Our child isn't even Jewish. Why did we get a phone call/letter asking us to make a contribution?

You may have received a phone call or letter because your son or daughter signed up on Hillel's mailing list or attended one of our many programs. While we do not actively seek support from non-Jewish parents, a good number of them donate to U-M Hillel because their children's lives have been enriched by our programs. We are very grateful for that support. If you want to know how to donate to a campus organization connected with your own religious tradition instead (or as well) please give us a call and we'll put you in touch with one.

I never had anything to do with Hillel when I was a student at Michigan 10/20/30/40 years ago, so why should I support it now?

If you are like many Jewish Michigan alums, you probably wish that Hillel had been like this when you were in Ann Arbor. The fact is that few Jewish community centers outside of the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan offer as wide an array of quality programs as U-M Hillel. (O.K., we don't have racquetball courts or a shvitz, but there are already three fine recreational sports centers on campus.) And the fact is that Michigan is now one of the major feeder schools for Hebrew Union College, the Jewish Theological Seminary, AIPAC interns and the UJC Young Leadership Cabinet. Support for University of Michigan Hillel is an investment in the future of American Jewish life, and one which we are trying to ensure will continue to pay great dividends for all of us.