Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF)?

The Foundation is the largest clearinghouse in Southern New Jersey for Jewish philanthropists, wherever they may give. For over a quarter a century, it has been helping donors develop effective tax and estate planning strategies, build legacies and facilitate their philanthropy through charitable funds established at The Foundation. Currently, The Foundation manages over individual donor funds and $22 million in assets.

The Foundation and its donors provide grants to programs and institutions throughout the community, including grants to many worthy programs and causes in the Jewish community.

Do JCF and its donors support only Jewish causes?

No. Because JCF believes deeply in the concept of tikkun olam – repairing the world – as part of its broad charitable purposes, our donors and we support causes in both the Jewish and general community. These include Jewish as well as non-denominational organizations such as colleges and universities, health organizations, environmental causes and social service groups, among others.

How does JCF help the community?

Our donors use their funds at JCF to make charitable grants to a wide variety of organizations in both the Jewish and general community. JCF also awards grants on a competitive basis through our Community Fund to local organizations and agencies.  For more detailed information on JCF’s grants program, please visit the grants and scholarships section.

Why should I establish a fund at JCF versus setting up my own private foundation? 

Having a fund at JCF will spare you the paperwork, research and administration costs involved in managing an independently run private foundation. Additionally, with broad expertise in charitable giving practices, JCF is able to strategically guide you in meeting your philanthropic as well as tax and estate planning objectives. Please visit the Ways To Give section for more information about the range of funds we offer.

Who is responsible for investing my money?

JCF’s highly skilled Investment Committee works with an investment management firm, SEI Investments, to responsibly manage the Foundation’s assets.  SEI has proven expertise, within specific asset styles, and offers an opportunity for superior performance in rising markets, while limiting losses in difficult ones.  Together with JCF’s Investment Committee, SEI regularly reviews the financial markets and economic environment to decide upon the best asset mix. 

Will personal and finacial information I share be treated confidentially?

Yes. JCF strictly guards the privacy of all donors and their sensitive personal and financial information. All communications, documents and discussions are held in strict  confidence.

Will JCF solicit me for annual campaign gifts on behalf of other organizations?

No. JCF does not solicit annual campaign gifts from its donors on behalf of any organization.

What's the connection between JCF and The Jewish Federation? And does JCF support The Jewish Federation and its agencies?
JCF is a partner with The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (www.jewishsouthjersey.org) and its family of agencies in ensuring the future of the community. To that end, the Foundation is a proud supporter of many of the programs and projects of The Jewish Federation’s family of agencies that benefit the community throughout Southern New Jersey, Israel, and around the world.

Does JCF provide scholarships?

Yes.  JCF is fortunate to have donors who have established scholarships for academic purposes and Israel experiences.  JCF works closely with area guidance counselors, synagogues and youth groups to ensure that area teens are aware of our scholarship opportunities.  For more detailed information, please visit our grants and scholarships section.