JCF: Helping Donors

Since 1949, the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) of MetroWest NJ – the planned giving and endowment arm of United Jewish Communities (UJC) of MetroWest NJ – has been working with donors to help them achieve their philanthropic goals. With assets exceeding $250 million, $100 million in future commitments, and an excellent record of investment returns, UJC provides an outstanding opportunity for expanding your portfolio while helping to strengthen the Jewish community and improve the world.

Because of our wealth of knowledge about community needs and our access to experts in the field of tax and estate planning, JCF can provide educational tools to inform you about both new regulations and projects that might be of interest and need your support. Tools include a quarterly newsletter, periodic seminars, donor update postcards and letters, e-mail updates, and a web-based library of granting opportunities. Individual, confidential consultations are available with JCF professional staff, who are also ready to assist multigenerational families formulate their philanthropic goals and objectives.

JCF offers a full range of charitable giving vehicles, including:

• Donor advised (“philanthropic”) funds: Created with a minimum gift of $10,000, donor advised funds offer an immediate tax deduction and allow the donor to recommend grants over her lifetime – or that of her successor – to charities she wishes to support at any time.
• Charitable bequests: A donation, which reduces the donor’s taxable estate, established through a will in any amount, either to a general cause like United Jewish Appeal of MetroWest, or to benefit a specific area or interest.
• Charitable Gift Annuity: A one-time gift ($10,000 or more) that provides the donor with a fixed income for life and an income tax deduction; the remainder of the gift goes to the Jewish community.
• Charitable Remainder Trust: A trust that offers the donor an immediate income tax deduction while providing income to the donor or someone he designates for life, joint lives, or a term of up to 20 years. Afterward, the remainder in the trust becomes the property of the Jewish community.
• Charitable Lead Trust: Another type of trust established for a specific term by contributing an income-generating asset, often real estate. The income flows to the charity for a fixed period of time, after which the asset reverts to the donor or the donor’s heirs.
• Annual Campaign Endowment: A permanent fund dedicated to perpetuating an annual campaign gift to the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) of MetroWest NJ beyond the donor’s lifetime.
• Designated Endowment: A tax deductible gift that supports a specific organization, program, or project. Can be made in memory or in honor of a loved one.
• Supporting Foundation: Functions much like a private family foundation but with the tax advantages of a public charity. A great way to formally get the kids involved in the family’s philanthropy and make a significant philanthropic impact.

Gifts can be made with assets such as cash, appreciated property (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, or other assets), IRA or pension plan beneficiary designation, or life insurance.

for a confidential consultation that can make YOUR philanthropic dreams a reality.