Secure Vibrant Jewish Life at Cornell for the Next Century
Higher and Higher: Hillel is Home September Challenge - 3x Gift Match!
In March, we celebrated a historic milestone, the groundbreaking of Harkavy Hall, the future home of Jewish life at Cornell and Grinspoon Hillel's first dedicated building on campus after nearly 100 years of serving Jewish students. Today, the vision is becoming a reality as we watch the walls of Harkavy Hall rise higher and higher from the ground (construction time-lapse). We are thrilled to report that construction remains on schedule, with an anticipated opening in summer 2027, in time for the fall semester. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, we have already raised the money for the construction to be fully funded.
Now, our focus turns to the future. Before we open the doors of Harkavy Hall, we need to raise an additional $5 million for Hillel's endowment and reserves. We also remain focused on an important community goal we set at the onset of this capital campaign: reaching 1,800 donors. Every gift matters. Every donor demonstrates the breadth of support behind this historic project. Most importantly, every contribution strengthens Jewish life at Cornell.
Create an Enduring Impact
By donating to our endowment, you are ensuring Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell will have the funds to:
- Support increased programming and operational needs as we continue to grow
- Care for our building over the next century
- Reduce our need for financing
- Sustain our mission and the long-term vitality of Jewish life at Cornell
- Provide generations of Jewish Cornellians, tens of thousands of students, with a community and sense of belonging on campus
To reach the finish line of our Hillel is Home Capital Campaign, we have been given an extraordinary opportunity: a $1 MILLION CHALLENGE GRANT to help us achieve our donor participation goal and raise an additional $1,500,000 for our endowment. Through the High Holidays and September-long, this challenge grant will provide a 2:1 match on up to $500,000 in new gifts and commitments to the campaign. That means every qualifying contribution will be tripled, creating three times the impact!
Donate now to help us reach this challenge and maximize your opportunity for support. Whether you are making your first gift, increasing your commitment, or encouraging family and friends to participate, this challenge offers a phenomenal opportunity to magnify your support of Jewish life at Cornell.
Gift Recognition
Certain new multi-year commitments may be eligible for the match. To receive more information about making a multi-year gift, naming opportunities, or the Founders Wall, contact skc79@cornell.edu.
You are welcome to donate through your donor-advised fund (DAF) or with a personal check. Please contact skc79@cornell.edu to let us know, receive instructions, and have your gift matched!
Your Support Matters
None of this would be possible without you. As we watch Harkavy Hall take shape, we are reminded that buildings are more than bricks and steel. They are expressions of community, values, and vision. Together, we are building a home where generations of Jewish Cornell students will gather, celebrate, learn, lead, and belong.
Thank you for your partnership, your generosity, and your belief in the future of Jewish life at Cornell.
Learn more about the greater campaign: Cornellhillelcampaign.org
Learn more about Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell: Cornellhillel.org
Follow us on Instagram @CornellHillel