I first met Skip Schrayer years ago while working at the Jewish United Fund (JUF). At the time, he was the Board Chair, though I didn’t fully grasp the significance of that title. What stood out was his dedication as a volunteer—and his genuine kindness.
Skip was a constant presence at JUF. I admired how he seamlessly balanced his roles: running a successful business, leading a nonprofit that raises nearly $100 million annually, and a devoted husband and father. Reflecting on this balance, Skip shared, “I’ve always seen life as a stool with three legs: work, family, and philanthropy. If one leg is off, the whole stool collapses. I’ve seen people lose their businesses and families by overcommitting to volunteering. Balance is essential.”
Years ago, Skip led a session on managing risk, leaving a lasting impression on me. As someone who helps nonprofits develop strategies to increase fundraising, I recognize the importance of safeguarding those dollars. That’s why I reached out to Skip to learn more about his insights on risk management and his enduring passion for philanthropy.
Risk Management for Nonprofits
Skip highlighted three essential insurance policies that nonprofits should consider:
Dishonesty Coverage – Protects against internal fraud or embezzlement by employees.
Employment Practices Liability – Provides protection if a former employee files a lawsuit against the organization.
Cyber Liability – As nonprofits often store sensitive donor information, this coverage mitigates financial risk in case of a cyber-attack.
As a board member, I was particularly interested in Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance. Skip explained, “Boards make crucial decisions, and this policy covers court costs and other legal expenses, shielding individuals from personal liability.” I’ll make sure any board I serve on has this coverage.
From large-scale events to smaller gatherings, nonprofits face unique risks. It’s crucial to partner with an insurance agency that has experience and a strong track record. While this isn’t a paid endorsement, I can confidently say that Skip and his team at Associated Agencies, Inc. are experts in their field. If you’re looking for more information, visit their website: https://assocagencies.com/
A Community Legacy
Skip’s dedication to community leadership is deeply ingrained. His parents modeled the values of service and generosity, setting a excellent example for him. When I asked what sparked his commitment to giving back, Skip said, “My parents were always involved, and that was big part of it.” Skip through for a moment, and then continued, “There are two life-changing trips that really stick out as motivating forces.”
The first was a family trip to Israel in 1971, where they were guided by Max, a Russian émigré. Skip recalled, “I asked Max if he came to Israel to escape antisemitism. He replied, ‘I came here to build a country.’ That left a profound impact on me.”
A little over a decade later, Skip participated in a JUF mission to Poland, which deepened his connection to global philanthropy. Guided by a Joint Jewish Distribution Committee (JDC) representative, he saw firsthand how his donations were helping people in dire need across continents. “From Ethiopia to Poland to Israel, seeing this global network of support was powerful,” he reflected.
As a community leader for decades, I asked Skip to share the experience he found most impactful. Without hesitation, he mentioned Operation Exodus, a campaign in the early 1990s that helped rescue and resettle Soviet Jews in Israel. Facing severe antisemitism and restrictions in the former Soviet Union, over a million Jews sought refuge in Israel.
“People were taking out second mortgages to contribute,” Skip said enthusiastically. “JUF borrowed $50 million to help. It was an incredible time—seeing so many people finally able to live as Jews freely. Those planes landing in Israel is a feeling I will never forget.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Looking to the future, Skip shared how he instilled the value of giving in his children. “When my kids celebrated their mitzvahs, any cash gifts went into a donor advised fund. Later, they chose the nonprofits they wanted to support. It was a great way to encourage giving back.”
He believes that introducing children to community service early is key. “Delivering meals for Maot Chitim is a great way to start. Hands-on experiences like this allow kids to see the impact of their work. The next step is getting them involved in a community campaign, where they can feel the significance of working toward a shared cause.”
In closing, Skip emphasized the joy of giving: “It’s true—you get so much more out of giving than you put in. Doing the work has been incredibly meaningful.”
Final Thoughts
Skip Schrayer’s legacy of leadership and philanthropy is a testament to the power of service, balance, and generosity. Through his work, he continues to inspire individuals and nonprofits alike to build stronger communities and create lasting change.