The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Receives Six Million Dollar Gift

October 6, 2023 – Sarasota

 The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is thrilled to announce a gift from community philanthropists Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth which brings their total investment to more than $6 million, making it the largest combined gift in the Federation’s history. In the coming months, a portion of their gift will launch a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge that will carry our capital campaign to a successful close. 

Throughout his career as a cardiologist, clinical research expert, and medical entrepreneur, Joel drove systemic improvement in medical systems. “Joel is an expert in entrepreneurial transformation. We are fortunate that he brought that same mindset to our Jewish community and Federation,” says CEO, Shepard Englander. 

“Almost ten years ago, Joel literally knocked on Federation’s doors to learn about this Jewish community and how he could help.” Board President Bruce Udell shared, “Since then, Joel has energized our Board and committees, and led the national search to recruit our current CEO, Shepard Englander. Joel encouraged many best practices to advance our mission of building a safe, inclusive, and caring Jewish community. In 2019, when our Campus Capital Campaign started, Joel and Gail made one of the first gifts of over a million dollars. Their decision to make this second transformational gift shows their confidence in the Federation’s increased effectiveness.” 

Joel shared, “When Gail and I decide on a major gift, we consider it as an investment. We must believe in the mission and the impact our gift would have but also be confident that the organization is financially transparent, uses best governance practices, and is sustainable.” 

In 2019, the Federation launched an ambitious Campus Capital Campaign to support the redevelopment of the front 16 acres of the 32-acre campus. With Joel and Gail’s gift, the Campaign has raised more than $27.5 million, over $9 million of which were new gifts in 2023. The matching challenge made possible by the Morganroth’s gift will be announced later this Fall.