Be There Beyond Your Lifetime

From the day JCFS Chicago opened its doors as a soup kitchen in 1859, you have been there with your generous support to help those most in need in our community.

You give to JCFS Chicago in many ways – campaign donations, tributes to honor or remember someone, volunteer activities. As we thank you for these generous gifts, we ask you to consider another type of gift, one that will last beyond your lifetime – a legacy gift.

  • A legacy gift does not need to impact your current finances. It can be funded during your lifetime or distributed from your estate.
  • There is no minimum amount required.
  • You can designate a particular JCFS Chicago program to receive your support or let it be used where JCFS Chicago needs it most. It’s your choice.

By choosing to leave a legacy gift for JCFS Chicago , you help ensure that the caring, vital support you funded during your lifetime will continue for generations to come.

Your legacy gift, in any amount, is added to the JCFS Chicago Endowment Foundation. The endowment funds are invested and the income from that foundation is distributed every year to help JCFS Chicago programs deliver services to those in need. A legacy gift of $100,000 or more can establish a named endowment fund. A legacy gift in any amount can be directed to support a particular program or service. It’s your choice.

When people are asked why they haven't made a provision in their will for charities of their choice, most say that no one ever asked them or that they don't have anything to leave. We’re asking. Please consider one of the legacy gift options below. Every gift in any amount is deeply appreciated and makes a real difference.

Ways to Make a Legacy Gift

Outright – cash, stock or other property given during one’s lifetime.
Testamentary – part of one’s estate.  Bequest, Life Insurance, IRA
Deferred – blends current financial and testamentary planning. Charitable Gift Annuity, Donor Advised Fund

These are just a few of the more commonly chosen legacy gift options. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you and your attorney or financial adviser about these and other ways you can continue to support JCFS Chicago beyond your lifetime. For more information or to schedule a conversation, please contact Michelle Maer, Director of Individual Giving, or call 773.467.3913

The JCFS Chicago Endowment Foundation was created in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago’s Agency Endowment Program, which was established to ensure that JCFS Chicago and our sister agencies have the necessary resources to meet growing and evolving Jewish community needs. All commitments to the Agency Endowment Foundation are recognized as gifts to the Jewish Federation’s Centennial Campaign.