Our Finances

WE HAVE FUNDS to be used exclusively for the care of the Cemetery. Money comes to our funds from the sale of plots, interest on our capital, or charitable contributions. All expenses, both operational and capital, come out of our funds. We are seeking to increase our Endowment Fund to $3.0 million.

Our annual operating budget is approximately $90,000. This includes all care of the grounds, maintenance of the house, a variety of small administrative operating expenses (weed killer, seeds, trash removal, etc.) and emergency capital needs.

Revenue from the sale of new plots is low. Interest from our Trust fund is almost non-existent and has been so for many years. We have been fortunate to have gains on our portfolio and have stayed in a solvent cash position in spite of the issues outlined above. For the past few years, however, we have had little money for annual capital improvements.

“Any way you figure it, long-term success
depends on first repairing and improving
the capital plant.”

 

Our physical plant is growing older, and is now at a point that substantial capital must be invested. The House needs major repairs, the grounds must be reseeded in many areas, the perimeter fence and gate need to be secured. Security all around is required and landscaping must be done to prevent overgrowing of trees and shrubs.

Some headstones are tilting and a very few have toppled over, creating an unkempt look. Some of these stones belong to families that have long since moved away. Still, all must be kept in appropriate appearance and condition. Some purchased perpetual care in 1900 for $2. Some purchased annual care (no longer sold) and then just stopped paying. Some graves have not been visited for fifty years or more.

The Financial Challenge

WITH LOW INTEREST RATE PREVALENT, a small endowment to invest, and limited income from sales, we are starting to invade principal for capital improvements. These financial stresses could be alleviated by establishing an
endowment for $3.0 million, invested at 4% to yield $120,000 annually. Inflation would be covered by new sales and gains in the portfolio. Any overage would be used for capital expenses.

If we improve the conditions, market aggressively, and raise some fees, its possible to generate new sales revenues which would then go into the endowment fund. However, at any level, it will be a long time to get to $3.0 million.

An additional solution would be to raise, through periodic campaigns, funds for capital, and with increased sales, allow the endowment fund to build through prudent investment gains.

Any way you figure it, long-term success depends on first repairing and improving the capital plant. This will allow for us to increase sales and eventually fully fund the Endowment.

 

The Social Challenge

Why is a Jewish Cemetery important?

1. To help sustain Jewish institutions.
2. Because most people want to be buried somewhere.
3. A Jewish burial is part of the commitment to a Jewish life.
4. It provides communal pride.
5. It provides a peaceful visitation place.
6. It allows us to be an independent community.
7. It satisfies Jewish law.
8. We have an Eternal obligation to provide a Jewish cemetery.

 

The Plan

To restore a place that is serene and safe and well-known in the Jewish community, we are making the following improvements:

A. Repair and remodel the caretaker House.
B. Install safety and security lights, cameras all around.
C. Improve plantings, shrubbery, and roadways.
D. Front gate redesign and repair.
E. Monument repairs and restoration.

The total cost of these capital improvements may approach $300,000.

How Will We Raise the Money?

We have begun a fund raising campaign that will target families of plot holders as well as families with ties to the Oheb Shalom Cemetery. Naturally, we will also pursue a broader outreach to the Jewish Community. Oheb Shalom Cemetery is an important historical place,which truly is a jewel that needs more than a little shining. With the help of our community we can make this historical jewel glitter and in doing so can honor the memories of those interred within its gates. If you would like to make a donation please see below.

Make a donation specifically for restoration

Use the link on this page to make a donation for restoration.

The gift you are about to make allows us to maintain the cemetery and pursue projects and restorations..

Oheb Shalom Cemetery is a 501(c)(13) organization so your contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law.  Please consult your own tax advisor.