Women’s Philanthropy Tomorrow
by Anna Fisch, Chair of Endowments
Today’s Women’s Philanthropy is comprised of passionate, committed women who have shaped Greater MetroWest into a strong, energetic, and visionary community. But what about tomorrow? How do we ensure that Women’s Philanthropy will be there for future generations?
First, we can strive to pass on our values of Tikkun Olam to our children and grandchildren. Through our own generous deeds, we can set examples for those who follow in our footsteps. We can teach our children that we, as Jews, have a unique responsibility to the world and to one another. But we can also pass on something that’s very real — we can establish an endowment that contributes funds in our name even after we pass away. By endowing the philanthropic gifts that we make today, we can secure our future for tomorrow.
Endowing gifts is not new. Ten, twenty, and thirty years ago, women took the steps to endow their gifts to the annual Women’s Campaign and gave us shoulders on which to stand. They looked to the future, and we are reaping the rewards today. Today’s Women’s Campaign does not start at zero dollars; because of the beautiful and powerful legacy of generous women whom we have lost, the 2016 Women’s Campaign begins at $400,000.
It is now our turn to consider leaving a legacy for future generations to inherit. Think about the Birthright, Diller, and Jewish camp participants of today who will lead our Jewish community of tomorrow. What type of community will we leave them? If we could make it a little easier for them, what great things could they accomplish? While we can’t predict all the challenges that the Jewish community will face down the road, we can work to build a strong Women’s Philanthropy that will be there to adapt to and to meet those future challenges.
Women of any age and at any stage of life can endow gifts. Erica Needle and Susan Weinstock, two younger women who recently endowed their gifts, can attest to the sense of contentment and comfort they felt when they endowed their gifts. Erica is happy to have endowed her gift, as “the impact of those dollars will continue to help people in perpetuity.” The endowment was initiated by Erica’s husband Steve, who wanted to provide a gift to the community in Erica’s honor. Susan learned about endowing her gift when she served on the Young Leadership cabinet. Although she had no children of her own, she thought about our community as a whole, and wanted to make sure that she could continue to help. Susan notes that she is “thrilled to know she’ll be making a contribution long after I’m gone.”
Endowing a gift is simple. An endowed gift can be established in your will or trust for any amount, no matter how large or small.
Not sure what will remain after your expenses? Designate that a percentage of your estate, after expenses, be directed to Women’s Philanthropy. Endowments can also be set up using existing or new life insurance policies. Upon your death, a permanent fund will be established in your name and your gift will be invested in a professionally managed, diversified portfolio that makes annual distributions to Women’s Philanthropy. Your heirs will not only receive a tax deduction for your estate, but they will forever remember you for doing good.
Erica’s Lion of Judah gift was endowed using an insurance policy, which the Needle’s found to be an easy and affordable option. Susan Weinstock also endowed her Lion gift by taking out a $100,000 insurance policy. Because of her age, Susan’s annual premiums are very affordable. But upon her death, Susan’s insurance policy will forever generate approximately $5,000 to Women’s Philanthropy on an annual basis. Of course, endowments under $100,000 are welcome as well!
Please contact me at annafisch@mac.com if you are interested in endowing your gift to Women’s Philanthropy. As Chair of Endowments, I can put you in touch with professionals who can help you make a generous gift, easily and affordably. You also can read more at www.jcfmetrowest.org/ways-to-give-tomorrow.
We worry about Jewish continuity, engagement, connectedness, and the role of Israel in our lives. I worry about these issues as well, but I have great faith in our future. I believe that the women in Women’s Philanthropy today can create a strong and vibrant future for the women leaders of tomorrow.