What's New | Grants News | Important Dates | Special Programs | Press Room

Check back often for the latest news and events at the Jewish Community Foundation.

 

What's New

The 2008 Lillian Fund Grant Is Awarded

The Lillian Fund has awarded a $6,000 grant to The Center for Women's Justice in Israel.  The Center's mission is to help Israeli women navigate the complicated legal system more equitably and effectively in matters regarding marriage and family.  The Jewish Community Foundation administers The Lillian Fund, which provides legal assistance to Israeli women and children in need.  
                                              Click here to read the full article.

Jewish Community Foundation Elects Three New Trustees

The Jewish Community Foundation has named Steven C. Kleinman, Leigh A. Newman and Elliott D. Tertes to its Board of Trustees.
                                                                        Click here to read the full article.

 

Expert Shares His Knowledge of Estate and Charitable Gift Planning

Jonathan Tidd, an estate planning attorney and expert on charitable gifts, addressed a group of Hartford area Jewish professionals on September 17 as part of the Jewish Community Foundation's popular Fundraising Academy workshop series. 
Mr. Tidd's presentation was entitled, "Lessons Learned from Legacy Gift Planning."
                                                                        Click here to read the full article.

Temple Beth Hillel of South Windsor Joins Leave a Jewish Legacy

Temple Beth Hillel, a vibrant Reform congregation in South Windsor, is the latest organization to participate in Leave a Jewish Legacy.  The synagogue joins 22 other Jewish agencies in Greater Hartford who have established permanent endowment funds at the Jewish Community Foundation.
                                Click here to read the full article.

Three Local High School Graduates Awarded Scholarships from the Foundation
 

Zemelia Miller and Rebecca Tobet, Avon High School seniors, were both chosen to receive college scholarships from the Jewish Community Foundation.  Each received a scholarship to an accredited four-year college of her choice.  To view the full press release, click here.

 

Leah Persky, a senior at Hall High School in West Hartford, is the recipient of two college scholarships from the Jewish Community Foundation.  Leah was awarded both the Ernest and Charlotte Hirst Scholarship and Alvin Kennedy Memorial Scholarship.  Leah began attending Syracuse University this fall.  To view the full press release, click here.

 

All three students were honored at awards ceremonies at their respective high schools and presented with a certificate from the Jewish Community Foundation.  “These three students rose to the top of a field of outstanding candidates,” said Lauri Miller, chair of the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.

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Foundation Donors Plant Seeds for the Future
At an elegant Spring Reception at Beth El Temple on Wednesday, May 29, 2008, the Jewish Community Foundation expressed its appreciation to 130 donors and community leaders who have 'planted' for the future through their gifts to the Foundation.    
                          Click here to read the full article.

The Israel Fund
This is a unique chance to be a part of a collective, “hands-on” giving experience that will engage you in your philanthropy and provide funding for the critical needs of children and vulnerable populations living in Israel.  With a one-time gift of $10,000, payable over two years, you will become a member of The Israel Fund and will have a say in the selection of projects that will receive funding.  For more information, please call Doreen Fundiller-Zweig or Deborah Rothstein at 860-523-7460.

New Britain Synagogue Leaves Lasting Legacy for the Future
	Temple B'nai Israel closed its doors this year, but its spirit lives on through a new scholarship fund at the Jewish Community Foundation.  To read the full story, click here.

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Jewish Community Foundation Ranks Number Five Among Connecticut Community Foundations

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford is the fifth largest community foundation in Connecticut, according to Hartford Business Journal's 2007 Book of Lists, released in July 2007.  The Foundation holds more than $85 million in assets and awarded over $3.3 million in grants during fiscal 2007.

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Make a Current Gift of IRA Assets Through December 2009

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 presents a unique opportunity to make a charitable gift from your IRA with no adverse tax consequences.  If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can distribute any amount up to $100,000 per year from your IRA to the Jewish Community Foundation free from income tax.  Distributions to donor advised funds or in exchange for charitable gift annuities are not permitted.  This "charitable rollover" is available only for gifts made during 2008 and 2009.  To read the special alert, click here.

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Grants News

The Foundation Awards $325,000 in Community Grants

The Jewish Community Foundation awarded $125,000 in community grants to two local nonprofits.  The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford was awarded $100,000 for a community-wide "Israel @ 60" celebration which took place this spring.  The Solomon Schechter Day School was awarded $25,000 for its new principal search.  The Foundation also made grants totaling $200,000 to support the core operations of 22 beneficiary agencies.  To read the full press release, click here.

Important Dates

 

Wednesday, November 4

Workshop: Investing Endowment in Uncertain Times

Michael Miller, Colonial Consulting, LLC

Community Services Building, West Hartford

12 noon – 2:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Hartford in Florida

Habatat Galleries, Boca Raton, Florida

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

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Special Programs

Leave a Jewish Legacy Initiative Promotes Bequest Giving

The Jewish Community Foundation's Leave a Jewish Legacy initiative is mobilizing more than 20 local Jewish agencies and organizations to promote charitable giving through bequests. The Leave a Jewish Legacy program capitalizes on the historic transfer of wealth currently underway in this country by increasing awareness of the power of bequest giving, training staff in the estate gift process, and seeking out, educating and recognizing donors.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, its eligible beneficiary agencies, and area synagogues with permanent endowment funds at the Jewish Community Foundation are eligible to participate.  “The time is right to tap into the power of bequest giving,” says Doreen Fundiller-Zweig, the Foundation's Executive Director.  “Every one of us should consider leaving a charitable bequest and the imprint we want to leave for the Jewish community.”  To learn more about the Leave a Jewish Legacy program, please call the Foundation at 860.523.7460 or click here.

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