JCF Connects with Thousands of Community Members Each Year

The following is a reprint of the JCF's Money Matters column, published in the March 18, 2026, issue of the Jewish Community Voice, titled "JCF Connects with Thousands of Community Members Each Year":

All of us here at the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. (JCF) feel fortunate to have the opportunity to connect with and assist a wide assortment of community members throughout the year.

For the first quarter of 2026, here are seven JCF initiatives that collectively reach thousands of people, maybe even you:

Florida Reunion: This past February, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and JCF co-hosted the 29th Annual Florida Reunion. As is the case every year, it was a thrill to bring together South Jersey natives who now live or winter in southeast Florida. During the week, we met with hundreds of people, and the warmth and support that we received from them was exhilarating.

Thank you to all who joined us; we already can’t wait for next year!

JCF Scholarship Awards: Though the application deadline passed earlier in March, we received submissions from a slew of outstanding South Jersey community members. Our Scholarship Committee, chaired by Carol Roth, looks forward to reviewing all applications and providing an estimated $50,000 in financial assistance for post-high school education and experiential travel. We also greatly anticipate our annual Scholarship Awards Reception on June 2 to celebrate the awardees.

Spring 2026 JCF Grants: Last call! Non-profits and synagogues serving SNJ, this is your final opportunity until the fall to apply by March 20 for up to $5,000 per request to launch new programs and services. Approximately $50,000 in all will be awarded. Learn more and apply: jcfsnj.org/grants

Life & Legacy Thank You Event on Tuesday, March 24: If you have committed to a legacy gift via the Life & Legacy initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation or created an endowment fund with the JCF, please join us for a complimentary event, in conjunction with the Katz JCC’s Jewish Film Festival. The evening will include light bites and a ticket to the screening of the film “TATAMI.” Full details: jcfsnj.org/legacy thank-you; RSVP required to mstaff@jfedsnj.org

Life & Legacy Donor Listing on Wednesday, April 1: In the next issue of the Voice, we are excited to publish our full listing of hundreds of individuals who have committed to leaving an after-lifetime gift via Life & Legacy. To be included in this list, showing your support of our Jewish community’s future, please contact any participating organization or the JCF directly.

Four Questions for Passover: As we soon embark on Passover, here are four questions that you may want to discuss at your Seder table, to broach the meaningful and engaging topic of creating a Jewish legacy:

How and why do you support the Jewish community currently?

What impact on the Jewish community do you hope to have during or after your lifetime?

How might you personally have benefitted from the tzedakah of others?

Why is creating a Jewish legacy so vital now?

Tax Day Is Approaching. Streamline Your Charitable Giving with a Donor Advised Fund! Within recent months, many community members have opened a donor advised fund (DAF) with the JCF to coordinate their charitable giving through one, centralized, easy-to-use, online account. While you can open a DAF any time of year, Tax Day on April 15 is a great reminder to get one started so you can be well-prepared for the year ahead. With a DAF, you contribute to your account, earn immediate tax benefits, and then you can recommend grants to your favorite charitable causes at any future time. Visit jcfsnj.org/daf to learn more.

From the entire Board and staff of the JCF, we are excited to connect with you soon, and we hope you enjoy a Zissen Pesach!

dsnyder@jfedsnj.org