Bequests

Remembering the Federation in your will or living trust will ensure a vital, strong Jewish community for the next generation.

A bequest to the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund offers a practical way to minimize estate taxes and allows you to preserve and build our community for the future. The addition of just a few sentences in your will or living trust will allow the Federation to continue its important work as the Jewish community’s agent of support and strength.  

"We hope that our commitment will help future generations to appreciate their heritage and to always remember the importance of helping others."

Eugene and Elinor Friend

Options:

  • Your bequest may be unrestricted in order to provide for our general operating costs;
  • You may restrict your bequest to a particular fund or purpose, either by establishing a new fund in your name or by adding to an existing one; or
  • You may create a life income plan for the benefit of a loved one, with the remainder left to the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund.

Most assets in your estate may be used to satisfy your bequest. Your taxable estate will be reduced by the amount of your contribution.

By naming the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund in your will or living trust, or by signing a Letter of Intent to do so, you will become a Living Legacy Society member, our recognition society for those who have had the foresight and generosity to include the Federation in their estate plans. You will also be invited to contribute to the Book of Life, which contains personal statements of why our supporters have chosen to make the Jewish community part of their legacy.

In order to help you plan your estate, the Federation's Endowment Fund has recently introduced a new Estate Planning Workbook. This workbook has been designed to help you gather and organize all pertinent estate planning information in one place before you contact your attorney. To have a copy mailed to you, please email us

For more information, please contact:
Steve Brown
Senior Director, Gift Planning and Endowments
415.512.6250