April 21, 2025

Shalom Chaverim,

On behalf of myself and the members of Congregation Kol Ami, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your involvement in our community over the past year and for your generous financial contributions. As we approach the new year, we kindly ask you to renew your financial commitment to Kol Ami. Your support is crucial in sustaining our congregation as a cornerstone of Jewish life in the Tampa community.

Accessing Your Documents. This year, all relevant documents—including the Dues and Assessments Form, the Dues and Assessments Schedule, tuition information, and the Dues and Assessments Adjustment Form (for those who may need it)—can be found on our website at 2025-2026 Dues Packet. These forms can now be filled out online and submitted electronically for your convenience. Kol Ami’s dues and assessment’s structure and policies, including its minimum dues and assessments, Council of Chai categories, and the ability to apply for adjustments, are designed to provide a flexible estimate of the fair share contribution sought from families with differing resources. The purpose is to maintain the financial viability of Kol Ami while ensuring that no one who makes a good faith effort to contribute is denied the opportunity to be part of our community for financial reasons.

Our System Works. To date, Kol Ami’s dues and assessments policies have served our congregation well. The generosity of our members—many of whom pledge more than their fair share or make additional contributions—has allowed Kol Ami not only to thrive, but to remain an inclusive and welcoming institution that conveys our Jewish heritage.

Simplifying the Process. Several congregants have expressed concern that the previous forms and schedules were too complex. This year, we’ve tried to simplify the dues and assessments process by eliminating the “Singles with Dependent” category and combining the Building Preservation/Depreciation Assessment and Security Assessment into a single financial commitment amount based on membership type. We also have sought to reduce the minimum financial commitment we are requesting from those members under 40. This is in hopes to encourage more of those in that age category to join our kehillah. I hope you find this new approach easier to understand and complete.

Support Through Council of Chai. To help support our programs, services, and long-term financial health, I encourage you—if you are able—to pledge above the minimum dues amount.  Indeed, if your circumstances permit, I encourage you to give serious consideration to becoming a member of the Council of Chai or, if you are already a member of Counsil of Chai, maintaining this status or elevating to a higher tier. Information on giving opportunities and recognition offered by the Council of Chai may be found on the enclosed dues chart.

Completing the Dues and Assessments Form Process. Please review the documents online and:

• Confirm that your household is listed under the correct membership category.
• Fill in the required information.
• Designate your preferred billing schedule.
• Submit the form electronically by following the instructions provided online.

Please complete your pledge as soon as possible (preferably by) Monday, May 19, 2025, and no later than Monday, June 9, 2025. This will greatly assist us in planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

If we do not receive your completed form by June 20, 2025, and have not heard from you otherwise, your 2025/26 dues and assessments will be billed at either your 2024/25 rate or the minimum rate for your category, using last year’s payment plan.

Methods of Payment.  You may pay all dues, assessments, and other charges using your Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card or American Express by using the attached authorization form or by going to kolami.org and clicking on the “Donate & Payments” option.  Credit Card Payments may not be made over the phone.

Be advised that we will continue the 3% convenience fee on ALL credit card payments for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

Payment of your dues and assessments commitment can also be done using appreciated stock. Please contact the Executive Director, execdirector@kolami.org for more information in this regard.

Todah Rabah,

Kevin Cross

President