Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County

The potential changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 are causing quite the buzz. 📈

Here's the scoop:

If Congress doesn’t step in, the estate tax exemption might drop from $27 million per couple to around $14 million after December 31, 2025. 😱

But don't panic! There are some nifty strategies to consider.

💡 For business owners, now might be the perfect time to start a gifting program. You can transfer shares to your heirs or to a donor-advised fund at JCFOC. This helps reduce your taxable estate and supports your philanthropy goals. Win-win! 💼

🎁 This year, you can give $18,000 per gifting spouse per recipient as an annual exclusion gift. It's a smart move to reduce your taxable estate without touching your lifetime gift and estate tax exemptions. And hey, why not double the good by matching those gifts with donations to a donor-advised fund? 💸❤️

📜 Some families are updating their estate plans to include more bequests to donor-advised funds, which can help mitigate estate taxes. Plus, these can be adjusted over time as laws and goals evolve. ✨

Remember, JCFOC is here to help you navigate all these twists and turns. Reach out to us, and let's work together to make the most of your charitable goals! 🌟💪

Summer is a wonderful time to check in on a quick punch list of “need-to-know” charitable giving tips.

We’ve selected six items for every charitably-minded person to keep in mind:

1️⃣ Donate appreciated stock to your fund at the community foundation.

2️⃣ Plan ahead for your business exit.

3️⃣ Start paying attention now to the estate tax exemption sunset.

4️⃣ If you can take advantage of the QCD, do it.

5️⃣ Review your IRA beneficiary designations.

6️⃣ Embrace a holistic approach to philanthropy.

Clear as mud? We’re here to help navigate your savvy charitable giving at JCFOC! We look forward to exploring how we can help on your charitable journey. 🌟

☀️ Whether you're traveling or relaxing this summer, it's a great time to reflect.

At JCFOC, we've been thinking about the power of philanthropy and its impact locally. 🌍✨

Check out these thoughtful reads for xyz:

🌟 Why People Give: Indiana University's research offers a global perspective on altruism and ego.

📊 Giving USA Report: We're excited for the 2024 charitable giving stats! Last year, major gifts were up and individual giving was down. Stay tuned!

🏛️ Smithsonian’s Giving in America: Always fascinating! From the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge to 1800s collection boxes, there's always something new to discover.

🏘️ Local Community News: See what's happening at our community foundation this summer!

We're honored to support your dedication to our region's causes. Together, we make a difference! 💖🙌

🏆🤝 Think philanthropy is a solo act? Think again! Charitable giving is a team sport.

Here’s how you can get in the game:

1️⃣ Board Member Goals: Join a charity's board! Share your skills, ask tough questions, and make a real impact.

2️⃣ Family Huddle: Get your family involved in giving! Whether it's teaching kids about helping others or planning a family donation strategy, it's all about teamwork.

3️⃣ Community Collaboration: Partner with us at JCFOC! We’ll help you plan, evaluate, and maximize your giving. Plus, we'll coordinate with your advisors to make sure your goals are met.

Let’s work together to make our community stronger! 🌟💪

Be the Change, Today and Tomorrow - JCFOC Newsletter Summer 2024 https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Be-the-Change--Today-and-Tomorrow---JCFOC-Newsletter-Summer-2024.html?soid=1122055619061&aid=yJbh6u9MsT8

🔍 Did you know your charitable plans might be missing a key component?

Donors also need to keep their advisors informed!

At JCFOC, we’re not just here to manage your funds but to collaborate with your attorney, accountant, and financial advisor. By doing so, we ensure your charitable intentions are seamlessly integrated into your overall financial strategy.

Whether it's sharing fund agreements for estate planning or optimizing asset donations for tax benefits, we’re your go-to resource.

Let’s meet with your advisors and maximize your philanthropic impact!

🚫 Think you can use your donor-advised fund for any charitable purpose? Think again – says the IRS!

While these funds offer great flexibility, there are important IRS rules to follow.

For example, you can use your donor-advised fund to support a nonprofit that aligns with your values. But can you use it to satisfy personal pledges? That can get dicey!

At JCFOC, we guide you through what’s permissible and what’s not. We’re here to help you navigate these rules and ensure your donations make the biggest impact.

Got questions about your donor-advised fund? Reach out to us today!

🎓 It’s graduation season — and we can’t wait to support our scholars!
From trade schools to innovative educational programs, there are countless ways to make a difference. At JCFOC, we offer unique options to make a lasting impact outside of simple scholarships including designating funds for specific institutions.
Let us help you with strategic grant making from your donor advised fund.
Let’s explore the best fit for your goals together. And congrats to all the graduates out there!

🏠🌟 Artist Spotlight: Michelle ‘Mr B Baby’ Ruby 🌟🏠

Michelle ‘Mr B Baby’ Ruby's "No Place for Home" box, created in partnership with The Pico Union Project, addresses the pressing issue of the housing crisis. Through vibrant acrylic and spray paint, Mr B Baby depicts two houses merging, symbolizing the scarcity of affordable housing and the universal search for belonging.

For Be the Change (BTC) in Orange County, JCFOC’s Weissman Arts is pleased to collaborate with the Skirball Cultural Center sharing four boxes from their recent mounting of Be the Change including Mr B Baby’s box is hosted by Alta Baja Market at 4th Street Markets in Santa Ana. Alta Baja celebrates the culinary and cultural richness of California, Mexico, and the American Southwest, mirroring the themes of inclusivity and community in Mr B Baby’s artwork.

The Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program ("CSP") serves as the regional ambassador for Mr B Baby's box. With a focus on promoting learning and community engagement, CSP aligns with the values of cultural diversity and equity embodied in Mr B Baby’s art and Alta Baja Market's mission.

CSP - Community Scholar Program, Orange County Baja Market

🌟🌿 Artist Spotlight: River T. Garza 🌿🌟

"Hello All My Relations," a mixed-media piece by River T. Garza explores solidarity, love, and acceptance from an indigenous perspective. Featuring graphic imagery, phrases, and traditional basket motifs, the artwork incorporates a snippet from the Los Angeles County seal, depicting a Tongva woman holding a basket. Garza's collaboration with LA vs. Hate amplifies the voice of Tongva individuals and promotes the Angeleno identity narrative, inspiring viewers and fostering connections across communities.

For Be the Change (BTC) in Orange County, JCFOC’s Weissman Arts is pleased to collaborate with the Skirball Cultural Center sharing four boxes from their recent mounting of Be the Change including the "Hello All My Relations" by River Garza. Here in the OC the BTC box is hosted at Arvida Book Co, which amplifies diverse voices and narratives while fostering community connections, aligning seamlessly with Garza's message of unity and community building.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is "Hello All My Relations" box’s ambassador. ADL is dedicated to combating bias and all forms of hatred. ADL's commitment to justice and inclusivity aligns with Garza’s message of healing, fostering a society of mutual respect, understanding, and equity through partnership and advocacy.

Vist Arvida Book Co. in Old Town Tustin Monday - Saturday from 9 AM - 5 PM and Sunday’s 10:30 AM - 5 PM and see Garza’s powerful message in person. Tag BTC and share your pictures!

Jewish Arts Collaborative ADL Orange County / Long Beach Arvida Book Co.

🌿🌟 Artist Spotlight: Nature Nexus 🌟🌿

"Los Angeles as a Cabinet of Curiosities," created by a collaborative team led by Azul Calderon, Diandra Dillon, Akari Johnston, Joanna Ruacho, Stacey Vigallon, and Brian Young, explores the theme of environmental justice. This project, in partnership with the Nature Nexus Institute, delves into the complex relationship between nature and urban landscapes, emphasizing biodiversity and interconnectedness within the Los Angeles ecosystem.

For Be the Change (BTC) in Orange County, JCFOC’s Weissman Arts is pleased to collaborate with the Skirball Cultural Center sharing four boxes from their recent mounting of Be the Change including the Nature Nexus box finds its home at the Merage JCC, a vibrant hub hosting a multitude of Jewish organizations, including those championing environmental causes. This partnership highlights the Merage JCC's commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Additionally, Adamah, a leading Jewish environmental organization, and the Merage JCC join forces as regional ambassadors for this impactful project. Adamah's mission of connecting Jewish life with environmental stewardship resonates deeply with the Merage JCC's efforts, exemplified by their collaboration on sustainability initiatives supported by Adamah's OC Climate Action Fund.

Jewish Arts Collaborative Merage JCC Adamah

🎨🌟 Artist Spotlight: Alex Abli 🌟🎨

Alex Abli's "Abrahamic Religions" installation celebrates religious tolerance. Through symbolic elements from Judaism and Islam, Abli highlights the shared values of peace and love. His artwork urges viewers to embody the biblical imperative of loving thy neighbor as thyself, promoting empathy and understanding in a divided world.

For Be the Change (BTC) in Orange County, JCFOC’s Weissman Arts is pleased to collaborate with the Skirball Cultural Center sharing four boxes from their recent mounting of Be the Change including Abli's box is paired with host site Pacifica Institute and regional ambassador Jewish Collaborative of Orange County (JCoOC). Both organizations embody the values of tolerance and community building, fostering interfaith collaboration to create a more just society.

Jewish Arts Collaborative Skirball Cultural Center

🎨🌟 Artist Spotlight: Emily Bowen Cohen 🌟🎨

Emily Bowen Cohen's comics explore the theme of "Youth Mental Health," weaving together her Jewish and Muscogee (Creek) Nation identities. Through personal narratives, she delves into contemporary American and Jewish culture, shedding light on intersectional experiences.

Emily Bowen Cohen’s box’s regional ambassador is the Jewish Federation of Orange County. The Federation is dedicated to sustaining Jewish life and the future in Orange County and beyond. With its Teen Engagement & Wellness Initiative, the Federation invests in programs supporting Jewish tweens and teens, addressing critical challenges such as disengagement and mental wellness.

Cohen's box, hosted at the Merage JCC during Be the Change, highlights the Federation's commitment to youth well-being.

Merage JCC Jewish Federation of Orange County

🎶🌟 Artist Spotlight: Leeav Sofer 🌟🎶

Leeav Sofer, artistic director & co-founder of the Urban Voices Project, presents his tzedakah box with the theme "Amplifying Vulnerable Voices." Rooted in downtown LA's Skid Row and expanding to Orange County, Urban Voices Project empowers marginalized individuals through music and community inclusion.

Leeav's box, showcased at Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP), moves across all CAP venues during Be the Change (BTC), amplifying the voices and stories of Urban Voices.

NA’AMAT, our BTC OC Regional Ambassador, partners with Sofer to highlight Jewish values of social responsibility and community support. Just as Urban Voices Project gives voice to the marginalized, NA’AMAT assists families in need, regardless of background, echoing the Jewish tradition of safeguarding the vulnerable.

Jewish Arts Collaborative NA'AMAT USA

🎨🌟 Artist Spotlight: Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik 🌟🎨

Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik's theme is "Fighting Antisemitism." His tzedakah box design features the Jewish legend of the golem, created to protect the Jewish people. The word "אמת" (emet) is overlaid on the golem’s body, symbolizing truth, while "צדק" (justice) adorns the sides. Made with cut-up Superman comics, the box connects the golem to this Jewish-created superhero fighting for truth and justice.

Isaac's box is paired with the Hillel Foundation of Orange County as the box’s OC regional ambassador. This powerful piece resonates with Hillel International's mission to combat antisemitism and foster Jewish learning.

Jewish Arts Collaborative

🎨🌟 Artist Spotlight: Cathy Weiss 🌟🎨

Cathy Weiss explores the theme of "Families & Belonging," examining our universal need for acceptance and home. Her art reflects childhood friendships, fleeing conflict, and the urban wildlife of Los Angeles. Through her work, Weiss highlights the importance of safety and belonging, both physical and spiritual. Now inspiring students at Irvine Hebrew Day School, her art fosters strong connections and a deep sense of home.

Irvine Hebrew Day School is the ambassador and host of Cathy Weiss’s Tzedakah Box.

Irvine Hebrew Day School
Jewish Arts Collaborative

We are thrilled to congratulate Wendy Chase Arenson, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County (JCFOC), on being awarded with the prestigious Gail Littman Leadership Award for her outstanding contributions to the Life & Legacy program!

🌟 Established by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in memory of Gail Littman, this award recognizes individuals who share Gail's passion for legacy giving.

💖 Since beginning her journey with JCFOC in 2012, Wendy Arenson demonstrated unparalleled dedication to fostering community collaboration and nurturing legacies across Orange County.

👏 We wholeheartedly congratulate Wendy on this well-deserved recognition! Join us in congratulating Wendy! 👏

Happy Independence Day, Israel! Today, we celebrate 76 years since the establishment of the State of Israel, a day of joy, pride, and reflection for every Israeli and friend of Israel around the world.

On Yom HaZikaron, we pause to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the State of Israel. From the soldiers who laid down their lives defending our nation to the victims of senseless acts of terrorism, we honor their courage, their dedication, and their unwavering commitment to protecting our homeland.

Today, as we observe Yom HaShoah, we stand in solemn remembrance of the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust. We honor their memory not just with words, but with a commitment to ensuring that such horrors never happen again.

Wishing everyone a Happy Passover!

Sending heartfelt wishes for a holiday filled with reflection, renewal, and cherished moments with loved ones.

This Passover, join our community-wide effort to build a strong and vibrant Jewish future here in Orange County. Consider leaving a legacy gift in your will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy to your favorite Jewish Orange County organization(s).

We are proud to partner with the following organizations in our Life & Legacy initiative. Beth Jacob Congregation Irvine Congregation B'nai Israel CSP - Community Scholar Program, Orange County Hebrew Academy Orange County Heritage Pointe Irvine Hebrew Day School Merage JCC Jewish Collaborative of Orange County Jewish Federation of Orange County Temple Beth El of South Orange County OC Hillel Temple Beth Tikvah Temple Bat Yahm University Synagogue OC

Together we guarantee a Jewish tomorrow.

To create your Jewish legacy, contact Wendy Arenson at [email protected].

Happy Passover From Your Friends at the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County Jewish Community Foundation Orange County | 1 Federation Way, Suite 230, Irvine, CA 92603 Unsubscribe [email protected] Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]

Be the Change is officially underway!

Kudos to the 200 artists, changemakers, and community members who showed up for all our activities to promote social justice through artivism.

We were joined by great artists and creatives who showed us their craft, including:

The Andrew & Polly Band (IG )
Polly Hall (IG )
Leeav Sofer of Urban Voices & Mostly Kosher (IG and )
Mr. B Baby (IG )
Isaac Brynjegard Bialik (IG )
Cathy Weiss (IG )
Alex Abli (IG alex.ahmad.abli)
Brian Young (IG )
Dillon Neal (IG )

And we’re just getting started.

Jewish Community Foundation Orange County Weissman Arts Program, in partnership with the Jewish Arts Collaborative (JArts™) and the Skirball Cultural Center, is bringing this powerful Jewishly inspired public art project to spaces throughout Orange County from April-June 2024.

Join us throughout April, May, and June.

More information on our website: https://jcfoc.org/weissman-arts-be-the-change/

Jewish Arts Collaborative

Picture larger-than-life tzedakah boxes on streets across Orange County designed by regional artists, each with a unique message of hope, resilience, and empowerment.

Each sculpture illuminates the work of the Jewish and non-Jewish partner organizations where each box will reside.

Through the vision of artists, Be the Change (BTC) elevates the idea of a tzedakah box into 8 individual art installations that empower us all to be agents of positive change in a broken world.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to see all 8 tzedakah boxes in one place! During exCHANGE on Sunday, April 7th at 2pm - 5pm, all 8 art installations will be at the Merage JCC.

Head to exCHANGE @ Merage JCC, raise your voice, unleash your creativity, and join us in making a difference through a multitude of installations and activities.

Register today: https://bethechangeoc.squarespace.com/april-7th

Jewish Arts Collaborative

During exCHANGE on Sunday, April 7th, hear from the artists whose artwork inspires social change.

🎨Meet the Artists in an UnPanel 👩‍🎨

Meet many Be the Change artists in a nontraditional panel talk designed in a lightning-round format.

📣 Amplifying Our Voices for Positive Change 🌟

Discuss how the arts are intricately woven into the threads of our communities’ civic fabric and play a vital role in promoting fairness with Polly Hall, Emmy and Grammy nominated songwriter, and Leeav Sofer of Urban Voices & Mostly Kosher.

All this and more during exCHANGE — Our Be the Change Weissman Arts program kickoff.

Register: https://bethechangeoc.squarespace.com/april-7th

Jewish Arts Collaborative Voices Project Mostly Kosher

🥁 Calling all families and young at heart!

🏆 Grammy-nominated family music artists the Andrew & Polly Band are coming to perform for free for our community 🎵

They’re joining us on Sunday, April 7th from 2pm - 5pm during exCHANGE — Our Be the Change Weissman Arts program kickoff.

More information is available in the [Link in bio].

Jewish Arts Collaborative

We’ve got internationally acclaimed artists teaching us their craft during exCHANGE on Sunday, April 7th!

🤖 Create Your Own Golem with Isaac Brynjegard Bialik 🔮- SOLD OUT

Unleash your imagination and craft your protective Golem with Isaac Brynjegard Bialik.

🎨 Join a Printmaking Workshop with Cathy Weiss 🖨️

Join international exhibited artist, Cathy Weiss as she leads a print workshop centered around the theme of her BTC box, delving into the concepts of Home and Belonging.

Following the exploration, create prints that can incorporate collage. Additionally, participants can take home their prints and printing blocks.

🎶 Lift your Voice in a Musical Workshop with Leeav Sofer 🎤

Lift your voice and join a musical workshop led by Leeav Sofer. He is faculty at the Colburn School, leads the band Mostly Kosher, and co-founded Urban Voices Project. Leeav has performed at venues such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Ford Amphitheatre (Tampa), and the Staples Center.

Come join in a community singing workshop inspired by Urban Voices Project led by Leeav, an amazing teacher and musical mastermind. (All ages welcome!)

All this and more during exCHANGE — Our Be the Change Weissman Arts program kickoff.

RSVP: https://bethechangeoc.squarespace.com/april-7th

Let’s make our artistic mark on our community.

🎨 Join us in creating a community mural with renowned LA street artist Mr. B Baby 👩‍🎨

A Latina born and raised in San Diego, California, Michelle Ruby aka Mr. B Baby, uses elements of her heritage as inspiration for her striking and lively art work. Together you will help create a dope mural for our community.

Everyone can participate in the mural painting — and many other activities — on Sunday, April 7th at 2pm - 5pm during exCHANGE.

Register today: https://bethechangeoc.squarespace.com/april-7th

Jewish Arts Collaborative

Arts, Theater, and the Impact of Legacy - JCFOC Newsletter Winter 2024

https://conta.cc/3x3Nw3E