Create a Jewish legacy with a charitable gift annuity

You will receive lifetime payments and help our community continue to thrive by establishing a charitable gift annuity.

The remainder of the CGA, after lifetime payments are made, is your permanent legacy to help our community respond to emergencies, fund new initiatives, and provide capital grants for vital Jewish institutions. Recently, the JCF has helped our Jewish agencies with additional funding during the economic downturn, made grants for Special Needs and Senior Transportation initiatives, and provided funding for the new Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life.

During your lifetime, a CGA offers

• Guaranteed payments for one or two lives at favorable rates
• An income tax deduction at the time the gift is made
• Payments which are partially income tax free
• Favorable treatment of capital gains for gifts of appreciated assets

Sample Gift Annuity Rates Single Life Immediate Annuity
Age	Current Rates
65	5.5
75	6.4
85	8.1
90+	9.5

Prospective donors are encouraged to seek the advice of their professional advisors.

You can learn more about establishing a charitable gift annuity on our website, or by contacting Tamara Wallenstein at TamaraW@sfjcf.org or 415.512.6217.

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Donor Profiles
Read why John chose to to set up his charitable gift annuity.

Video: 2010 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awardees

Last week, the 2010 awardees of the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards were honored at a luncheon in San Francisco. Each received $36,000 for their dedication to community service and their commitment to improving our world. The following videos tell their stories.

Jason Bade, Foster City. Learn more about Jason.

 

Megan Kilroy, Santa Monica. Learn more about Megan.

 

David Schenirer, Sacramento. Learn more about David

 

David Weingarten, Woodland Hills. Learn more about David

 

Kyle Weiss, Danville. Learn more about Kyle

 

For more information on the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards presented by the Helen Diller Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund, please visit:

http://www.jewishfed.org/diller/teenawards

Nominations for the 2011 Awards are due in December 2010.

EOY tax credits through the Endowment Fund

As you do your year-end financial planning, consider maximizing your end of the year tax situation with an immediate deduction while benefiting charity.

Select the best property to give.

• Cash is convenient and provides you an income tax deduction when itemized on your income tax return.
• Donate appreciated stock held for more than one year and derive an additional tax benefit: avoidance of capital gain. Consider choosing appreciated stock with the greatest capital gain to take maximum advantage of this unique tax benefit.
• Give some, keep some. If you  do not wish to donate all of your shares of stock in a particular company, donate the amount of shares that will offset or reduce the gain when you sell the remainder of shares and keep the proceeds.
• Sell stock that has lost value and donate the proceeds. You can deduct the loss in value (cost basis less current value) and derive an income tax charitable deduction for the current market value.
• Until December 31, 2009, if you are 70 ½ years or older you may make a direct distribution of IRA assets up to $100,000 to a favorite charity without incurring income tax (provided the distribution would otherwise be taxable).
• Match your gift with your employer’s contribution. Many companies have matching-gift programs for charitable donations by simply enclosing the company form along with your donation, and the JCEF will take care of the rest.

Set up a philanthropic fund or supporting foundation.

• The above gifts of $5,000 or more can establish a donor advised Philanthropic Fund in any name that you choose. A Philanthropic Fund is an efficient and easy way to simplify charitable giving and record keeping with flexibility in the timing and recipients of the grants.
• For significant philanthropy, consider a Supporting Foundation, which qualifies as a public charity with all of the attendant tax benefits, personal involvement in grant making and investment strategy, and without the burdensome taxes and paper work of a private foundation.

Establish a life-income gift

• A life-income planned gift of cash, real estate, or low-yielding securities can offer a sizable income tax charitable deduction, while converting the asset into annual payments to you or someone you care about.

For more information contact:

Rita Choit Adler at 415.512.6287 or ritaa@sfjcf.org

Gratz Fellows begin professional development

This fall, under the leadership of Director Janet Harris, the Federation’s Early Childhood Education Initiative (ECEI) took a significant step toward improving early childhood education in the Bay Area.

Twelve teachers, most in their 20’s and 30’s, began a two-year online program to receive their Certificate in Jewish Early Childhood Education through a partnership formed by ECEI and Gratz College in Philadelphia.

The program began on October 18 and 19 when the new Gratz Fellows participated in a retreat at Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma to build relationships among themselves and the teaching staff to enhance their online learning experience. One participant expressed her doubts before the retreat, asking what could possibly be accomplished in 24 hours? Her response at the end of the retreat . . . “Magic!”

Gratz Fellows participated in a weekend retreat aimed at enhancing their online learning experience.

This certification program is the first step toward supporting professional development for our Early Childhood Jewish educators, one of four key focus areas of ECEI.

“Educating young children and their families is the beginning of a link that will connect them to their past and future,” says Harris. “We, as a community, have to work together and own the problem so the youngest children get the best education possible.”

To reach that goal as a community, ECEI was created by the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties in partnership with the Jim Joseph Foundation, the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay, and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley.

Scholarships for the certificate program were generously funded by the Jewish Community Endowment Fund; retreats and a community of practice meetings take place thanks to funding from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund. The Bureau of Jewish Education partners the project.

For more information contact Jasmine at jasmineb@sfjcf.org or 415.499.1223 x8105.

A time of reflection and renewal

Jennifer Gorovitz, Acting CEO

For a century, the Federation has worked diligently as the face of collective Jewish philanthropy with an abiding, positive and hopeful mission. In approaching our centennial anniversary, let us re-focus, re-connect and re-energize around the strengths of this Jewish community – generosity, engagement, innovative leadership, and a dedicated, capable professional staff who are committed to making the Federation strong from the inside out.

As Daniel Sokatch moves on to take his new position as Executive Director of the New Israel Fund, we wish him well. Daniel sparked a broad vision for change, and in his 14 months at the helm, he helped us begin to make great inroads.

Today, I feel confident that we will continue to forge ahead in addressing the changing economy, as well as the interests and needs of our diverse community, a community grounded in a proud history and built on a strong foundation.

In assuming the role of Acting CEO, I want to briefly introduce myself to you. After more than a decade of law practice in the private and public sectors, I joined Federation’s Endowment Fund, and after 5 years was promoted to Chief of Staff before assuming this position. I am the 4th generation in my family to roll up my sleeves to work on behalf of, and raise money for, the Federation. Early in the 20th century, my great-grandfather was part of the first generation of leaders of the Hebrew Free Loan Association, one of the handful of fledgling social service agencies that came together to found the Federation. His daughter, my grandmother, went door-to-door with a manila envelope to solicit funds for the Federation year after year with her young daughter, my mother, in tow. My mother, in turn, did the same while at Cal and continues to be an active community leader today. I, too, raised funds for the Federation while in college, though in rebellion, I attended Stanford.

During my tenure here, I have been moved by the consistent kindness of our donors, and the generosity that enabled Federation to immediately respond to the profound economic challenges we faced this past year. To all of our donors, past and present – Thank you! Our longevity as an organization has proved what we have always known: that we are infinitely stronger when we work together. In entering our 100th year, and the year 5770 of our people, I encourage a renewed and re-energized commitment to each other and hope that you will join us in experiencing joy in this shared effort of repairing the world together.

On behalf of the entire Federation leadership and professional staff, may this upcoming year be one of peace, harmony and renewal. Best wishes to you and your family for a sweet and joyous New Year.

L’shanah tovah

Jennifer Gorovitz

Living Legacies at Work

Rachelle Hirstio:
December 18, 1914 - May 21, 2008

Rachelle Hirstio came to the United States from Sweden after World War II and taught French in in the Sequoia Union High School District. In the summers, she traveled back to Europe, taking students from around the United States with her. She was a quiet hero who lived through some extraordinary times. Rachelle went about her business, saving her paychecks and investing her money. After retirement she purchased a mobile home in Mountain View and continued her worldwide travels and mid-Peninsula cultural activities. When she passed away in May of 2008 at the age of 93, this modest schoolteacher left behind a not-so-modest estate, which she willed to the Jewish community. Her bequest joined the hundreds of others that help to make up the Jewish Community Endowment Fund today.

In Every Generation Unforeseen Challenges Arise

Last fall it became clear that the country was clearly heading into another extraordinary period ― the most severe economic downturn in decades. “Job losses are at their highest in twenty-five years,” reported Abby Snay, the Executive Director of Jewish Vocational Service. In response to the deteriorating economy, the Jewish Community Federation began a collaborative effort with agencies and Bay Area synagogues to assess the challenges ahead. Areas of urgent need were identified and the Federation prepared a rapid response menu of community priorities. When the Endowment Fund Committee met last December, they approved grants of $800,000 to support agencies and programs, focusing on the needs that were highlighted in the Federation’s list.

Responding to Emergency Needs

JCEF Allocations Chair Laura Lauder played a key role in fast-tracking the grant approval process. According to her, “Our first priority was to get funds to the agencies that deal directly with those in need as quickly as possible. Yet, at the same time, we must continue to fund and support all of our programs that enrich and strengthen the Jewish community here in the Bay Area, in Israel and around the world.”

Three emergency assistance grants were made, including

• $75,000 to Jewish Vocational Service to hire an additional full-time employment specialist, allowing them to meet the increased demand for services;
• $70,000 for Jewish Family and Children’s Services to help address supplementary requests for emergency financial assistance for individuals and families in crisis; and
• $50,000 to enable the Jewish Day School Scholarship Fund to help children stay in school.

Reacting to the news of the JVS grant, Ms, Snay said, “Unemployment is projected to grow throughout 2009. Because of this timely support, we are able to immediately address the dramatically growing need for employment help in our community.”

Rachelle Hirstio

Rachelle Hirstio lived through the 20th century’s most difficult periods. She entrusted the Jewish Community Endowment Fund to put her money to work for the betterment of her community in the 21st century. The gifts that Rachelle left included the balance of a Charitable Gift Annuity and a bequest. She also graciously made the Federation the beneficiary of two life insurance policies. These funds are a part of what makes it possible for the Jewish Community to meet this current emergency. Today’s donors are providing the resources that future generations will rely on to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

To direct your philanthropic priorities, please view a list of community needs at: www.sfjcf.org/go/needs

A nice pick-me-up

Natalie Friedman, 90, participates in Sonoma County JCC trips funded by the Senior Excursion Fund.

A recent article in the j. features Federation’s work to address the transportation needs of seniors in our community. Federation’s own Laura Mason explains that, “It’s not just about a ride — it’s about companionship and meaningful connections to the community.”

There are several types of transit programs supported by our Federation. For more information on these programs — or to find out how you can help provide funding — please contact Laura Mason at 415.512.6273 or lauram@sfjcf.org; or Tara Mohr at 415. 512.6424 or taram@sfjcf.org; or visit www.sfjcef.org.

“Seniors getting the rides they need as S.F.-based federation makes a commitment to transportation”

Other news stories about Federation

The j. publishes its first annual charitable giving supplement

Jewish Community Endowment Fund donors, lay-leaders, and their good works were featured recently in the j’s first annual charitable giving supplement.

Click on one of the links below to read an interview with Endowment chair Warren Hellman, learn how to establish a fund with your name on it, or get an inside look at some of the extraordinary individuals in our community who are truly ‘do it yourself philanthropists.’

• “From the heart: Five shining examples of do-it-yourself philanthropy”
• “Hillsborough couple funds residence hall for Israeli school”
• “JCEF chair guides endowment through rough economic seas”
• “You, too, can establish a donor-advised fund”

Video: Jewish Community Endowment Fund

This year, the Jewish Community Endowment Fund produced a video highlighting its history and donors. It is narrated by KQED’s Michael Krasny.

The Endowment Fund began as a small community fund to receive the bequests of donors, many of whom were assisted by the Federation’s beneficiary agencies. Today, the Endowment Fund has more than $2.4 billion in total managed assets. These funds have become a critical source of financial support for projects throughout the Bay Area Jewish and general community. The Endowment Fund provides support for emergency needs and seed-funds new projects posing creative, thoughtful solutions to communal problems locally, nationally, in Israel and around the world.

Individual donors and families can easily partner with JCEF through the many planned giving options it offers. Together with JCEF, these philanthropically minded individuals can join in the effort to address today’s most pressing needs while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.