Dues and Donations
June 26, 2017CBS membership dues are assessed annually, typically around the end of August. Members are encouraged to return their completed membership form, along with their payment (or first payment, if paying by installments), by the first day of October. We do not have a required building assessment or any required donations (although voluntary tzedakah to the charity/fund of your choice is encouraged). Annual dues, used solely for the operation of the congregation, are based on total family income, as follows:
- Family income is less than $25,000 — Annual CBS dues are $275
- Family income is between $25,000 and $35,000 — Annual CBS dues are $440
- Family income is between $35,000 and $50,000 — Annual CBS dues are $585
- Family income is between $50,000 and $75,000 — Annual CBS dues are $720
- Family income is between $75,000 and $100,000 — Annual CBS dues are $900
- Family income is between $100,000 and $125,000 — Annual CBS dues are $1,150
- Family income is over $125,000 — Annual CBS dues are $1,400
In addition to annual dues, CBS operates a number of special funds for different community and charitable needs. Anyone may contribute to these funds, one time or on a recurring basis, to support the activities of each fund. These special Funds are:
- Unrestricted Fund – Congregation operating expenses
- Raymond Katz Building Fund – Building maintenance and repair
- Rabbi Fund – Current and future Rabbi salary
- Rabbi Discretionary Fund – Used by the Rabbi for religious and educational purposes
- Fox/Mabel Fund – Educational activities, including Religious School, library, camperships
- Religious School Fund – Religious School operating expenses
- Community Fund – Hope Haven, members in need, and other community needs
- DeKalb Food Pantry – Food for the needy in DeKalb County
- Cemetery Fund – Maintenance and upgrade of Garden of Shalom Cemetery
Individuals can also make donations for other special purposes and projects. Please note that all contributions made to Congregation Beth Shalom for purposes other than general operating expenses and/or the above named funds must be accepted by the Board of Directors. If you are considering making a gift to the congregation for a special purpose, or with specific desires and restrictions on expenditures, please be sure to consult with the Board ahead of time. Contact the CBS Treasurer if you have any questions about membership dues, amounts, or payment schedules, or if you are considering making a special gift to Congregation Beth Shalom.
Dues and donations may be paid by check. Please send your completed membership form and check, made payable to Congregation Beth Shalom, to:
Congregation Beth Shalom
P. O. Box 1177
DeKalb, IL 60115
Dues can also be accepted through online payments by credit card. PayPal is the official credit card processor for Congregation Beth Shalom. If paying by credit card, please note that CBS is charged an additional 2.2% fee plus 30 cents for accepting on-line PayPal or credit card payments. The link to online payments may be found at our Donate page.
At this time, we are unable to create recurring charges through the website. We are also not able to process non-standard dues amounts through the website. If you have a need for either of these services please contact the CBS Treasurer to discuss your situation.
If you would like to donate to one of our special funds, please do so by check, indicating the fund in the memo line. Note that, due to generous past donations to the Cemetery Fund, at this time we currently have more than sufficient funds to adequately maintain and upgrade our section of Fairview Cemetery.
Regardless of how you pay, we encourage you to complete and return a membership form with any updated contact information. The information is used for tax donation letters, haShofar electronic mailings, and other important communications. We want to keep our membership lists up-to-date and make sure everyone receives all congregation notices and announcements!
It is Congregation Beth Shalom’s policy that no one will be denied membership for financial reasons. If you have any questions or would like to make special financial arrangements, please email treasurer@