Lincoln Square Synagogue – Manhattan

Lincoln Square Synagogue faced an existential crisis. It needed to raise $10 million in just three months.

Located on New York’s Upper West Side, Lincoln Square Synagogue is a flagship modern Orthodox house of worship. It has pioneered a welcoming approach that is widely emulated.  

When Perry and Margy-Ruth Davis joined the LSS capital campaign committee, its goal was to raise $30 million for a new structure. Because of uncontrollable factors, the budget skyrocketed to $52 million and threatened the new construction which was already underway. The crisis put the future of the entire institution in peril.

An anonymous donor stepped in to cover a major part of the cost overrun but required $10 million to be raised within three months as a condition of the gift. The donor also asked for 85% congregant participation. 

In response, Perry and Margy-Ruth, serving as volunteers, helped create and implement a strategic fundraising plan. The lay leadership fundraising team working with the Rabbi and raised the funds needed to complete construction. 

Today the synagogue is flourishing with membership rolls on the upswing. In addition, income from new rental space accounts for over 30% of the synagogue’s annual budget, and that was achieved through the efforts of Perry Davis leading a team of volunteers.