The Sacred Side of Fundraising with Judd Holzman

Judd Holzman, Chief Development Officer at JCFS Chicago

When you talk to Judd Holzman, you don’t hear a fundraiser chasing tactics.

You hear someone talking about meaning.

Judd has held senior fundraising roles at the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and the U.S. division of Link Community Development (Link), a global education organization working across sub-Saharan Africa. Today, he’s the Chief Development Officer at JCFS Chicago, one of the region’s most comprehensive human service agencies.

The geography has changed. The philosophy hasn’t.

From Global Development to Local Impact

Judd began his career focused on international development, working on education initiatives in Africa. Both the work and the story that got him to Africa were interesting.

While studying at University of Illinois, Judd planned to spend a year abroad in Israel.

However, there was an uptick in violence in Israel (the second Intifada, which occurred from 2000-2005) and the university made students select other countries. Judd chose Oxford University in England. It was there that he became involved with issues facing Africa as it was the height of efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 

He loved being in England and decided to attend graduate school at the London School of Economics where he became active with Link.  After returning to the U.S., Judd started the U.S. division of Link, creating partnerships between schools in the U.S. and Africa, as well as raising funds for education initiatives across Africa.

“I was connecting young people and donors to important work happening in sub-Saharan Africa,” he told me. “It was meaningful and exciting.”

Over time, Judd wanted to be closer to the communities he was serving, eventually leading him to JCFS Chicago.

Judd commented, “For me, there’s something very powerful about local work. I live in this community. I see the people we serve. I feel more embedded. It’s incredibly special to help the community I grew up in.”

At JCFS, that means mental health services, support for immigrants and refugees, disability services, care for children and families, and much more.

Judd commented, “This is deeply human work, driven every day by dedicated colleagues across the organization who bring that impact to life.”

Partnership, Not Pressure

Judd has spent almost 20 years scaling philanthropic programs.  One of the themes that came up repeatedly in our conversation was Judd’s deep respect for lay leaders. He doesn’t see the board as a group to manage, they are partners.

“Fundraising is sacred,” he told me. “It’s a mitzvah to ask someone for a donation. And using that lens makes it much more approachable.”

That belief shapes how he works with his board.

On his first day at JCFS, he led a board training focused not on quotas or metrics, but on meaning. “We talked about the sacredness of fundraising in Judaism,” he said. “It’s a privilege to invite someone to give. It’s deeply impactful, rather than transactional.”

He wants board members to feel that privilege.

Judd wants them to understand that when they make an introduction, host a gathering, or ask a friend to support JCFS, they’re not doing development work.

They’re advancing the mission.

“They’re part of something bigger than themselves. And when they feel that it changes the conversation.”

Instead of pressure and obligation, Judd emphasizes partnership and purpose.

Telling Human Stories with Dignity

Human services work is emotional and confidential.

So how do you tell compelling stories without crossing lines?

Judd remarked, “We look for real client stories, but make sure to de-identify and protect privacy, when necessary. We always want to respect the dignity of the people we serve.”

And he’s equally clear that stories matter.

“It’s about working closely with marketing and program colleagues to collect those stories and share them thoughtfully,” he explained. “Donors need to see the impact and feel the emotion.”

In human services, storytelling requires discipline and collaboration. It’s not about spectacle. It’s about respect.

Back to the Fundamentals

As we wrapped up, I asked Judd what he sees changing in fundraising heading into the next few years.

He didn’t mention AI or new platforms.

“We can’t lose sight of the fundamentals,” Judd said. “Connecting with donors. Listening. Building relationships. Asking for support.”

Then he went even deeper.

With honesty Judd continued, “We have the opportunity to help donors find joy and meaning in their philanthropy.”

In a world full of distraction, that’s not small.

“People are looking for real human connection,” he added. “When a donor gives to a charity, that can be one of the most meaningful things they do in their lives. Our job is to enable that meaning.”

Judd has worked internationally and locally. He’s built boards, scaled programs, and launched giving societies.

If you strip away the résumé, his leadership comes down to this:

Listen first.Partner deeply.Honor the sacredness of the ask.

Surround yourself with dedicated colleagues who bring that philosophy to life every day.

And keep giving =)

To learn more about JCFS, visit their website: https://www.jcfs.org/

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I help nonprofits raise more money through education, coaching, and strategic planning. I also lead high-impact professional development, coaching programs, and retreats for companies of all sizes. If you’re ready to strengthen your fundraising strategy, turn board members into advocates, or build a comprehensive legacy giving program, let’s talk.