Endowment Giving Strengthens Disability Programs and Countless Other Worthy Causes

The following is a reprint of the JCF's Money Matters column, published in the February 18, 2026, issue of the Jewish Community Voice, titled "Endowment Giving Strengthens Disability Programs and Countless Other Worthy Causes":

Just as each person is unique, so too is each endowment fund that the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. (JCF) manages on behalf of our philanthropic, visionary donors.

In short, a donor can establish an endowment fund with the JCF in any amount to benefit the charitable cause of their choosing for many generations. The JCF invests contributions added to the fund, and then we annually disburse 5% of the fund value to support the donor’s designated cause. This provides a predictable and vital baseline of ongoing revenue.

In all, the JCF manages over 300 endowment funds—and growing—and donors have created these funds to benefit an array of charitable purposes.

To give you a sampling of the power of endowment funds, and since the month of February marks Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, & Inclusion Month (JDAIM), let’s look at several that benefit the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey’s Disability Services Area of Impact:

Nikki and Adam David Endowment Fund for Special Needs: Nikki and Adam David felt motivated to start this fund to support Weinberg Commons, where Nikki’s sister, Rori Bomze, resides. One aspect that the Davids’ endowment fund supports is Cozie Corner, a store located in the Weinberg Commons commissary. “When storms hit,” Nikki shared, “most of us simply run to the store to stock up. Residents of Weinberg Commons don’t have that same ease. This on-site shop provides access to some everyday necessities— deodorant, toothpaste, snacks, small gifts. The shop offers something powerful: independence. Residents (adults with disabilities and older adults aged 55 and up) can ‘run’ to the store without a car and often without staff assistance, fostering dignity, choice, and autonomy.” The Davids’ endowment fund will ensure that Cozie Corner and other initiatives at Weinberg Commons continue to benefit residents well into the future.

Lisa Blumenfeld Special Needs Endowment Fund: The Katz JCC’s ACHaD Squadron Basketball League brings together individuals with disabilities to learn and play the game of basketball in a safe, friendly, and encouraging setting. Now in its 18th season, the beloved program has been supported since 2022 by an endowment fund that Alan Blumenfeld set up in memory of his sister, Lisa (z”l). During her lifetime, Lisa had disabilities herself, and Alan recognized the positive impact of social programming on her wellbeing. Now, this fund enables dozens of individuals with disabilities to socialize, exercise, and have fun together. This fund will ensure that this camaraderie can continue for many more years.

Special Needs Programming Foundation Endowment Fund: Established in 2015 by Brad and Ellen Molotsky, this fund supports programming for residents with disabilities living at Weinberg Commons, enabling them to develop life skills, enjoy recreational activities, and more. The Molotskys saw a need to ensure that Weinberg residents would have the ongoing support that helps them to live independently, and their endowment fund will continue to enable the residents to achieve that goal.

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey’s Regional Director of Disability Services, Adam Roth, shared, “Thank you to the Davids, Alan Blumenfeld, and the Molotskys, among numerous other endowment fund donors, for having the foresight and generosity to start these funds to benefit the Federation’s disabilities programs and services for years to come. Their investment in ensuring an accessible Jewish future means the world to so many in our community.”

You, too, can have a powerful impact on our community. To contribute to any of these endowment funds or to start your own to benefit disabilities support or other deserving cause, please contact me at (856) 673-2571 or dsnyder@jfedsnj.org. Your fund will leave a unique, lasting legacy.