Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles

From our family to yours, we wish you a meaningful holiday. In these turbulent times, we hope the lights of the menorah shine brightly in your home. If you’re interested in how you can incorporate philanthropy into your Chanukah celebrations, reach out to our experts at the Center for Designed Philanthropy, who can provide conversation prompts or offer suggestions. Email [email protected] or call 323.761.8710 for more info!

Our Giving Voice e-newsletter came out today – the last one of the year! Click through for a heartfelt message from our president & CEO about Israel, learn about our recent $2 million in grantmaking, read an article on giving in a crisis, and much more: https://ow.ly/TkcI50QfI8Q

🌟 Exciting News! We are proud to announce $2 million in new grants to eight local organizations combatting antisemitism, empowering diverse Jewish communities, and promoting mental health. Since 2006, we've invested $23M in 100+ innovative Jewish causes through our Cutting Edge Grants program, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Learn more about the organizations here: https://ow.ly/uFYi50QfaIU

Grants awarded to: Jewtina y Co., JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, The LUNAR Collective, Jewish Studio Project, Organization for Social Media Safety, Zioness Movement, Friendship Circle of Los Angeles, & Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

Honoring a loved one through philanthropy – whether after their passing or for a special occasion such as a bar or bat mitzvah, wedding, or another important lifecycle event – is a wonderful way to pay tribute to their legacy.

Our fund offerings provide the ideal platform for expressing love, admiration, and respect while creating a lasting impact on the causes that matter most to you. Embrace the power of philanthropy to honor your loved ones for generations to come.

Learn more here:

Ways to Pay Tribute Giving back is a profound way to remember and appreciate what connects us to our heritage, our community, and future generations. Whether you seek to commemorate a beloved family member…

Naomi Strongin, vice president of the Center for Designed Philanthropy, penned a new insightful article on effective philanthropy during times of crisis, originally published in eJewish Philanthropy. In the wake of recent events in Israel, many of us feel compelled to help, but it's crucial to do so purposefully. Naomi provides valuable tips on navigating challenges and ensuring your support makes a meaningful impact. Check it out here: https://ow.ly/pj5e50Q7fqv

📢 Our 2022 Annual Report is here!

For nearly 70 years, The Foundation has been a pillar of support for our local community and the State of Israel, in both good times and crises. Together with our donors, we've distributed more than $180 million to 500+ Israeli organizations in the past decade.

In the wake of the current tragedy in Israel, our commitment to support those affected has never been stronger.

Our 2022 report, with a record $160 million in grants to 2,500 nonprofits, is a testament to our steadfast commitment to bettering the world.

Check out our annual report to see the impact we've made together: https://ow.ly/yyRH50Q693U

Together with our donors, we've allocated more than $6 million in emergency support to Israel in just over three weeks. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has participated in this incredible effort so far.

Visit our website to support vetted Israeli nonprofits, and for any specific inquiries, contact our Center for Designed Philanthropy. Your support is making a significant impact, and we're committed to continuing this vital work for Israel's well-being.

Link to website: https://ow.ly/jGjX50Q48KF

Our hearts are with Israel in these challenging times, and we're eager to make a meaningful difference. We've put together a list of impactful ways you can support those in need. If you're looking for guidance on where to give, we've posted trusted organizations to support on our website. Explore how you can help today: https://ow.ly/XQEW50Q0Ktt

In light of the horrific tragedy that unfolded in Israel this weekend, The Foundation is making an initial grant of $100,000 to the LA Jewish Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund. There are numerous urgent needs that we can address together now, and working with our consultant in Israel, we have vetted a selection of nonprofits providing vital emergency services. For our recommendations and more information on where to give, click here: https://ow.ly/nR4n50PUShN

We are most grateful for your generous support during this unprecedented crisis in Israel. May the Almighty safeguard all of Israel’s soldiers and citizens in the difficult days ahead.

It’s ! For decades, Sheila Baran Spiwak, her husband, Alan Spiwak, and her sisters, Evelyn and Gloria Baran, have advanced their family’s commitment to giving by leveraging their endowment at The Foundation to realize their vision of a more just and equitable world.

Joined by the family’s next generation, their shared values drive them to give back, appreciating the blessings they've received in life. They give to a wide range of causes, supporting mental health, fighting cancer, creating jobs, ending hunger, and enhancing Jewish education.

This family's partnership with The Foundation is a beautiful tribute to their parents' and uncle's legacy.

Read more about their giving here: https://www.jewishfoundationla.org/stories-giving/sharing-blessings-the-baran-spiwak-family/

🌟 What an incredible evening we had recently! We were honored to host NY Times "Your Money" financial columnist and bestselling author, Ron Lieber, for an inspiring discussion on "raising kids and grandkids who are grounded, generous, and smart about money."

Foundation Trustee Stacy Kent, did a fantastic job moderating the talk, and our Trustee Lynn and her husband Les Bider graciously opened their beautiful home for this special event.

Over 100 people attended the program and left with practical advice on how to instill strong financial lessons to the next generation. Stay tuned for some advice gleaned from this wonderful evening!

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) – easy, flexible, and tax-efficient – continue to grow as one of the most popular giving vehicles today. Foundation donors often use funds in their DAFs to easily make contributions during the High Holidays to their synagogues and other favorite causes. Here are three top reasons our donors love giving through The Foundation!

The Foundation recently honored Dr. Bruce Powell with our inaugural Marvin I. Schotland Leadership Award, established in tribute to our former president and CEO. It recognizes an individual in the LA Jewish community who exemplifies the vision and leadership personified by Marvin Schotland.

In selecting Powell, dean of the School For Jewish Education and Leadership at American Jewish University, The Foundation salutes his half-century of contributions as a founder and head of three Los Angeles-area Jewish schools – Yeshiva University of Los Angeles (YULA) High School, Milken Community School and de Toledo High School – as well as his earlier background in public instruction.

Learn more about Dr. Powell’s accomplishments in our press release here: https://ow.ly/zeKj50PNoKy

From all of us at The Foundation, we wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We look forward to collaborating with you in your philanthropy in 5784!

In honor of the upcoming High Holidays, The Foundation awarded grants to five organizations to support their inclusive High Holiday programming.

The grantees are:
-Aish LA: Aish LIT Young Professionals - Los Angeles
-Beit T'Shuvah
-Hillel at UCLA
-Open Temple
-Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services

Each organization is providing an accessible avenue for diverse local communities to participate in High Holiday experiences, deepening their connection to Judaism.

What does giving money away have to do with the High Holiday season? A lot! Tzedakah not only helps individuals and communities, it helps us grow as well. In the recent issue of Giving Voice, President & CEO Rabbi Aaron Lerner considers the role tzedakah plays during this reflective season.

Read more of his thoughts here: https://ow.ly/yFZ750PKnb9

During this High Holiday season, we continue our tradition of supporting Israelis in need. The Foundation recently awarded grants to Latet, Leket Israel, and Yad Ezra V'Shulamit. Each provides meals, support, and a little added sweetness to those in Israel celebrating the holidays. The grants were made in memory of our beloved colleague, Fay Althausen, z"l, who passed away from cancer in 2018.

For this week, we are highlighting Natella Royzman, Vice President of Charitable Gift Planning, who recently received a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) designation from the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies, CSULB. We are so proud of our staff who seek to educate and enhance their knowledge of the philanthropic landscape to further help people in their giving. Mazal tov, Natella!

In the aftermath of the devastating Maui wildfires, which have killed more than 100 people and wiped out the historic city of Lahaina, The Foundation awarded two grants to support relief and recovery efforts on the island.

One went to Jewish Federation of North America’s Hawaii Wildfire Fund, which will direct donations to local Jewish institutions, and the other went to Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, which will direct donations to broader relief efforts.

If you feel inclined to help those on Maui in need, please see our recommendations on our website, and read "How to Give More Impactfully After A Disaster" by The Foundation's Program Officer Charlotte Friedman for further guidance on giving post-disaster.

Read more: https://ow.ly/ssuS50PFc7b

The newest issue of Giving Voice came out today! Click on the link below to read a High Holiday message from our President & CEO Rabbi Aaron Lerner, learn about our newest grants, and see recommendations for how to help after the devastating wildfires in Maui this month.

Read more here: https://conta.cc/3sCyqzJ

Why give through a Donor Advised Fund at The Foundation?

☑️ Simplify Your Giving – The Foundation handless all the paperwork, disbursements, and tax receipts, so you can focus on giving.
☑️ Tax-Efficiency – For each contribution to your fund, you qualify for an immediate fair-market-value tax deduction. You’re also able to give non-cash assets with ease, which often make more tax-advantageous gifts than cash.
☑️ Flexibility – You can deposit funds into your DAF now, receive an immediate tax deduction, and decide where to give later. DAFs also make donating complex assets, like closely-held stock, real estate, insurance, and more, much easier.

Donor Advised Funds = Easy Giving! It’s that simple. Questions? Reach out today at 323.761.8704 or [email protected]!

Are you looking for a powerful way to support your favorite causes while maximizing your tax benefits? Take advantage of the current stock market surge and boost your charitable fund with appreciated stock!

Many publicly-traded stocks, such as AAPL, AMZN, META, MSFT, NVDA, NFLX, and TSLA—to name a few—have recently increased significantly in value. By donating these appreciated assets directly to your fund, you can:

⭐Save on capital gains taxes
⭐Receive a potential tax deduction for the fair-market-value of your stock
⭐Make an impact with the additional resources in your Donor Advised Fund!

Questions? Reach out today at 323.761.8704 or [email protected]!