Are you interested in strengthening the local Jewish community? The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Ann Arbor offers a powerful way to create a lasting impact.
Founded in 1998 as the planned giving arm of the Jewish Federation, the Foundation helps individuals establish or contribute to endowment funds that support both current and future community needs. Today, it manages 70 funds totaling over $11 million, ensuring long-term financial stability for local Jewish organizations and initiatives.
Endowment funds are invested for growth, with only a portion of earnings distributed annually, preserving the principal while providing ongoing support. These funds can sustain causes you already care about, such as security efforts, synagogue dues, or annual campaigns, for generations. Establishing a new fund requires a minimum contribution of $100,000. However, donors can also choose to support existing funds that support a wide range of community needs, from youth programs and senior services to book festivals, educational programs, and more. A few examples of existing funds are:
- Irene Butter Fund for Holocaust and Human Rights Education which supports Holocaust & Human Rights Educational Programming
- Miriam Ruth Epstein HDS Scholarship Fund which supports tuition scholarships for the Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor
- Weisbach Family Shabbat Dinner Fund which supports student Shabbat Dinners at UofM Hillel
- Phyllis Herzig Fund for Senior Programming which supports social and cultural programming in the Ann Arbor Jewish Community for senior adults through the Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor
- The Stark Nemon Youth Services Endowment Fund which supports the Youth in Crisis Network at Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County
- LiveSecure Community Security which supports the growing security needs for all Jewish institutions in the community
In addition, donors can support the unrestricted endowment funds which many of our local Jewish organizations maintain with the Foundation. These funds grow over time and can be accessed at each organization’s discretion, providing long-term financial stability, easing operating pressures, and helping ensure these organizations continue to thrive well into the future.
For those looking to leave a legacy, the Foundation encourages planned giving through options like bequests or beneficiary designations. Locally, this work is supported by the Life & Legacy program, which has helped strengthen endowment culture across the Ann Arbor Jewish community. For a full list of existing funds or for more information about leaving a legacy gift, please reach out to Osnat Gafni-Pappas at osnat@jewishannarbor.org.
The Foundation makes it easy to give thoughtfully and sustainably, helping you support the community today and for generations to come. For more information about how you can contribute to or create an endowment fund, visit the Jewish Community Foundation’s website at www.jewishannarbor.org/ways-to-give/foundation. To discuss your philanthropic goals with someone, reach out to Jewish Federation CEO Eileen Freed at eileenfreed@jewishannarbor.org.