Giving

Annual Fund

Don't just make a difference. Make many of them.
As our principal resource for unrestricted, immediate-use funds, the impact of the Annual Fund is evident across the entire span of experiences that prepare today's students to become tomorrow's leaders.

Each gift strengthens our school and community by enriching our programs, enhancing our campuses, expanding our capacity for financial aid, and more.

That's why...

Areas of Impact

ACADEMICS

The capable and caring faculty members at Golda Och Academy provide a future-facing education with deep roots in the history of the Jewish people. Each year, the Annual Fund supports their ongoing commitment to excellence by expanding access to professional development, and equipping them with the curricula, tools, and techniques needed to bring critical thinking, social-emotional, and project-based experiences into every classroom.

STUDENT LIFE

Our impressive range of extracurriculars enable students to explore their current interests, nurture their unique talents, and discover their newest passions outside the classroom. Gifts to the GOA Annual Fund help provide resources for student clubs, athletics, performing and fine arts, music, and other activities that spark leadership, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

FINANCIAL AID

The cost of a high-quality Jewish day school education is significant, but our commitment to affordability is, too. The Annual Fund helps helps ensure that today’s classrooms remain filled with tomorrow’s leaders by providing for the continued growth of our financial aid program, which puts GOA within reach for more than 50 percent of our families each year.

JEWISH LIFE

From Ganon through graduation, GOA delivers an experience that cultivates each student’s unique Jewish identity and affirms their belonging to our peoplehood. By providing resources for immersive learning across the spectrum of Jewish life at home and overseas, the Annual Fund supports our signature programs that connect students to their culture, heritage, and spirituality.

CAMPUSES

When the spaces where teaching and learning take place are at their best, the students and faculty within them are, too. That’s why Annual Fund resources are used to support ongoing efforts to maintain campuses that match the excellence of the education we deliver.

Development Leadership 2025-2026

David Moss
Chair, Board of Trustees

Pamela Davis ’02
Development Chair, Board of Trustees

Dina Wiesen
Annual Fund Chair, Board of Trustees

Mindy Schall ’97
Chair, Major Gifts

Keren ’94 & Aryeh Lebeau
Alison Smith & Marc Glashofer
Co-Chairs, Chai Society

Anne Kroll
Campaign Chair, Parents of Alumni

Merisa Fink ’00
Jared Green
Co-Chairs, Parents Campaign

Naomi Kramer Mullen ’10
Rebecca Landau Shuster ’18
Campaign Co-Chairs, Alumni Society

Ed Zinbarg
Honorary Chair, Grandparents Campaign

Carrie Z. Siegel ’92
Head of School

Contact Our Team

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Michael Bressman

    Michael Bressman 

    Director of Development
  • Photo of Stephanie Bash-Soudry

    Stephanie Bash-Soudry 

    Director of Institutional Advancement

Learn More

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • What is the money raised from the GOA Annual Fund used for?

    These funds support everything we do at GOA every day from academic and teaching excellence to professional development for teachers, extracurricular activities in the arts, sports and STEM. Funds also support experiential Jewish education and a multitude of leadership and enrichment opportunities for our students. The GOA Annual Fund ensures that the school can provide critical affordability and financial aid programs.

  • As current parents who already pay tuition, why is giving to the Annual Fund important?

    Like many other independent schools, annual fundraising bridges the gap between tuition and operating costs. At GOA, tuition does not cover all operating costs. Therefore, an additional $1M needs to be raised on an annual basis to ensure our school continues to deliver an excellent education to each of our students. We strive to achieve 100% parent participation at any level of support. Major donors and foundations look to parent participation as a positive indicator of community engagement and support.

  • Why do we need the support of school alumni?

    We need your help to make sure students of today have the same wonderful Jewish day school experience at SSDS/GOA. Today, more than 50% of our students rely on financial assistance to receive a Jewish day school education. The school provides more than $4 million annually to support financial aid. The GOA Annual Fund also supports alumni outreach programs such as the Alumni Professional Shabbat Dinner, College Alumni Basketball Game, freshman care packages and reunions.

  • Why do we need to give when we have a significant endowment?

    While we are blessed with a large endowment that helps ensure our future, we can only spend 5% of the endowment annually and retain the principle in perpetuity. Endowment income is also highly restricted and primarily funds financial aid and several specific donor-designated areas. Annual fundraising still comprises a critical percentage of our annual operating budget.

  • Are there giving recognition opportunities?

    Each year, events held for The Head of School Circle ($25,000 and above), Major Gifts Society ($5,000-$24,999), and Chai Society ($1,800-$4,999) gratefully recognize our most generous and committed donors.

  • How much should we give to the GOA Annual Fund?

    Any amount that is meaningful to you—whether $18 or $18,000 or anywhere in between—makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

  • When is my gift due?

    Gifts for the 2024-25 Annual Fund are payable through December 31, 2025. You can make your gift online now at or mail it to: Office of Development, Golda Och Academy, 1418 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052. For more information, or to learn about other ways to contribute, please contact Michael Bressman, Director of Development or call 973-602-3667.

  • How do I become more involved?

    We have a team of more than 60 volunteers who help with our fundraising efforts as well as grade captains who communicate with families in their classes and help ensure we have 100% participation from each grade. We are always looking for people who care deeply about Golda Och Academy and are invested in its future. If interested, please contact Michael Bressman.

2024-2025 Impact Report

Wilf Lower School Campus

Eric F. Ross Upper School Campus