Starting in Boston (1895) then Cincinnati (1896), many cities with large Jewish populations created Federations for Jewish Charities before Cleveland organized one. On Friday, November 13, 1903 the Society column of The Jewish Review and Observer included this announcement.
 

The solicitation of subscribers (minimum pledge was $5) had been conducted quietly, as no newspaper accounts can be found.
 

Below:
The meeting at the Temple (Tifereth Israel), on Willson (East 55th) and Central Avenue, on Sunday evening, November 15, 1903, was reported on page 2 of Monday's Plain Dealer.

The next issue of The Jewish Review and Observer, Friday November 20, 1903, ran a story on page 6 about the historic meeting. Read the story.

The Federation moved ahead rapidly. It was soon incorporated, with a board of trustees, Charles Eisenman president. On March 25, 1904 The Jewish Review and Observer published a list of donors, with the amounts subscribed (pledged). The custom of publication of gifts continued through the 1960s.