Federation CJA is the central philanthropic, planning and coordinating body of services for Montreal’s Jewish community. Supporting a family of affiliated agencies and associated communal organizations, Federation CJA is instrumental in providing for the welfare, education, cultural, spiritual, and social needs of the Jewish community, as well as advocating on its behalf. Federation CJA has served Montreal's Jewish community, as well as those in need in Israel and around the world, since 1917. Combined Jewish Appeal (CJA) is the fundraising arm of Federation CJA, with proceeds from the annual campaign supporting an array of local, national, and overseas programs and activities. Costs of the campaign are kept low, so that donations are used to make a difference in people's lives. As a community organization, Federation CJA mobilizes thousands of volunteers who devote their time and energy to raising funds, allocating the proceeds, and assisting in the delivery of services. It is one of 157 North American Jewish federations, a member organization of the United Israel Appeal (UIA) Federations Canada and of The Jewish Federations of North America.