The following is a reprint of the JCF's Money Matters column, published in the January 25, 2023 issue of the Jewish Community Voice:
With the arrival of each secular New Year, the Jewish Community Foundation always has a slew of noteworthy announcements, and 2023 is no exception. Let’s get right to it with these seven updates for the first half of the year:
Answer the Call…with a Donor Advised Fund!
With Super Week and Super Sunday upon us, we thank you for answering the call for the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey’s JFund Campaign to support our Jewish community. The JCF wants to emphasize that we can help streamline your charitable giving when you open a donor advised fund (DAF). In short, with a DAF in your name, you contribute money into the fund, gain immediate tax benefits, and you can recommend distributions to your favorite charitable causes at any future time. All the while, your DAF is professionally invested, and you can even donate appreciated assets, such as stocks, into the fund. Visit jcfsnj.org/daf for more information.
JCF Year-in-Review
The numbers are in for our fiscal year 2022, and, thanks to our hundreds of generous endowment fund and DAF donors, the JCF was able to provide a sum of $3.09-million to over 350 charitable causes locally and nationally. Of that, $1.64- million benefited the entire Jewish Federation system, a 6% increase from 2021. For more results, visit jcfsnj.org/post/fy22-report
Join Us for the 26th Annual Florida Reunion:
This is one of our event calendar’s highlights each year. The JCF and Federation will be reconnecting with donors who live or winter in Southeastern Florida. Events will take place the week of February 27, and if you’re in the area, we hope to see you. Learn more and register at jewishsouthjersey.org/floridareunion
Apply for JCF Scholarship Awards:
Local scholars pursuing posthigh school education can apply for financial awards to defray expenses related to tuition, as well as awards for travel or technology costs. This year, we’re excited to launch a convenient online portal to apply. The application deadline is Wednesday, Mar. 1 at 5 p.m. Visit jcfsnj.org/scholarships to learn more.
Nominate an Emerging Leader:
Jewish community leaders (including rabbis, directors, etc.) are encouraged to nominate high school students to earn a financial award for their efforts as emerging leaders in the community. Learn more at jcfsnj.org/leaders, and the deadline to submit a nomination is March 1 at 5 p.m.
Apply for JCF Grants:
To support new and innovative programs and services in South Jersey, JCF Grants are available for nonprofits and synagogues. And we have some exciting news! For the Spring 2023 Cycle, applicants may request up to $5,000 per application, an increase from $3,600. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Mar. 15 at 5 p.m. Details can be found at jcfsnj.org/grants
Create Your Jewish Legacy Today:
As you contribute your annual gift to the Jewish Federation and perhaps other Jewish or secular organizations, such as synagogues and day schools, please remember to also create your Jewish legacy. This can be easy to do and cost nothing during your lifetime. Savvy legacy gift options include leaving a gift in your will or estate plans or designating a percentage of your life insurance policy or IRA. As a bonus, the LIFE & LEGACY PLUS initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation provides cash incentives for new legacy commitments for participating organizations. Visit jcfsnj.org/lifelegacy to learn more.
If you have any questions about these updates, please contact me at dsnyder@jfedsnj.org. On behalf of the JCF’s Board and staff, we’re excited to start 2023 off with a bang, and we hope you’ll join us in some of these exciting endeavors.
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