The following is a reprint of the JCF's Money Matters column, published in the November 27, 2024 issue of the Jewish Community Voice, titled 'Eight ways to spread your ‘charitable light’ this Chanukah':
In a few short weeks, we will be celebrating Chanukah with loved ones, and many of us will exchange gifts to add extra joy to the holiday. In addition to giving gifts to one another, Chanukah is a meaningful time to give charitably to the Jewish community you love, in partnership with the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. Here are eight ways to “spread the light” by participating in JCF’s services this Chanukah or year-round:
Open a Donor Advised Fund (DAF): Many families enjoy discussing philanthropy during Chanukah. By opening a DAF with the JCF, you can contribute money into the fund now, earn immediate tax benefits, and then gather with your loved ones to determine how you would like to recommend grants at any future time. It’s a great way to involve your entire family. Learn more: jcfsnj.org/daf
Initiate a B’nai Tzedek Fund (BTF): If you have a child or grandchild, you can establish this “mini-donor advised fund” in their name, so they can learn about charitable giving, investing, and more. With a BTF, your child can access the fund and work with you to recommend grants to their favorite charitable causes, on a modest scale. The fund can even accept donations from others, such as B’nai Mitzvah gifts, that the child will use to give back charitably for a Mitzvah project. Visit jcfsnj.org/btf
Create Your Jewish Legacy: Thanks to the Life & Legacy initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, hundreds of donors locally, and tens of thousands across the continent, have been inspired to leave a legacy gift for their beloved Jewish causes. These after-lifetime gifts can cost nothing now and be easy to set up. In addition, your gift will be invested in an endowment fund (see next item) to ensure that your legacy lives on year after year to benefit the Jewish community. See jcfsnj.org/life-legacy
Start an Endowment Fund: An endowment fund provides annual income to the charitable cause of your choice, lasting many generations on end. This steady, reliable payout helps to form a budgeting baseline for the organization and allows you to see the yearly benefit in action. Check out jcfsnj.org/endowment-funds
Launch a Scholarship Award Endowment Fund: Each year, the JCF provides upwards of $40,000 to local Jewish scholars pursuing post-high school education or experiential travel. These awards are made available thanks to specific endowment funds that donors have created over the past 25 years. This is an impactful way to give the gift of education for future leaders.
Fund a JCF Grant: Twice annually, the JCF awards approximately $50,000 in JCF Grants to fulfill dozens of requests for new and innovative programs and services. Our Grants Committee aims to provide funding for as many of these requests as possible, but dollars requested exceed dollars available. If you would like to learn more about a unique funding opportunity, please contact JCF Assistant Director Mike Staff at (856) 673-2528 or mstaff@jfedsnj.org
Support the New Camden Cemetery: The JCF maintains oversight of the oldest local Jewish cemetery, where nearly 1,500 ancestors are interred. Learn more and donate toward cemetery upkeep at jcfsnj.org/ncc
Join a Committee: As mentioned in “Fund a JCF Grant,” the JCF utilizes volunteers to review and approve grant requests, as well as review scholarship award applications, promote Life & Legacy, provide oversight to our $45-million in investments, manage the New Camden Cemetery, and even serve on our Board of Trustees.
If you are seeking an engaging, hands-on way to give back to the community in a way that matches your skillset, please contact me at (856) 673-2571 or dsnyder@jfedsnj.org
Enjoy a happy, healthy, and light-filled Chanukah!
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