1. What is a legacy gift?

It is a gift of an asset after you pass away.

2. Who should sign up?

Everyone. This is not just for the wealthy or the seniors. There is no minimum gift required, and no expectation of payment while you are living.

3. Why  wouldn’t I leave all of my estate to my children?

Legacy gifts are usually only a percentage of your estate and demonstrate to your heirs your commitment to Jewish values.

4. Does the gift have to be money or can other things be given?

Legacy gifts can take many forms: stocks, bonds, real estate, retirement assets, cash, life insurance proceeds, etc.

5. How much should I bequeath?

There is no correct amount – it varies from person to person – and must be what is right for you. Any amount is appreciated. Some people will choose to give a set dollar amount, some will specify a percentage of their estate, or all or part of a particular asset.

6. Can I change my gift later?

Yes - if your circumstances change you can adjust the amount of your gift.

7. What are the ways I can leave a legacy gift?

There are many ways, including making a bequest in a will or trust; naming the organization of your choice as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, IRA, or pension fund; giving a gift of cash or assets; setting up a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust. Please consult your professional advisor to determine which method of giving is best for you.

8. Why is it important to leave a legacy gift?

The long-term future of the Jewish community requires adequate financial resources. Recent studies show organizations need to generate 20%-25% of their operating budget from endowed funds in 20 years in order to meet their obligations. By leaving a legacy gift, you help ensure that the values and services of Jewish organizations you care about will be part of our community long into the future. 

9. I live paycheck to paycheck and I don’t have any money to give now. Can I still participate?

The advantage of legacy giving is that no money is paid now. The gift is paid after your passing, from what is left in your estate.

10. How can I give without spending money on a will or trust?

One option is to name the organization of your choice as a beneficiary of an account you already have. You might also consider a life insurance policy, with that organization as a beneficiary.

11. Where does the money go?

Please discuss your wishes with your designated organization of choice. If someone leaves money for a specific purpose, the organization should honor those wishes. 

12. What is the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY program?

Established in 1993, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation is a philanthropic organization deeply committed to charitable giving, primarily in the Jewish world. LIFE & LEGACY is a 4-year partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that assists communities across North America, through partnerships with Jewish Federations and Foundations, to promote after-lifetime giving to benefit Jewish day schools, synagogues, social service organizations and other Jewish entities. Through training, support, and monetary incentives, LIFE & LEGACY motivates Jewish organizations to secure legacy gifts, steward donors and integrate legacy giving into the philanthropic culture of the Jewish community. 

13. How does Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey get money from the Endowment Fund?

Based on current policy, the Federation will annually receive 4% of the prior 3-years’ average balance of its endowment fund. The distribution is available for use at the Federation board’s discretion. The board could opt to not take a distribution in any year and thus allow the endowment to grow further.

14. Who invests the money in the Endowment Fund?

The Jewish Community Foundation manages our endowment fund, along with many others in the community. They have been doing so for many years and have an excellent performance record.

15. What rate of return does the fund average annually?

Average returns have been 4-5% annually.

16. How do I sign up?

The first step is to fill out a Letter of Intent. For questions, contact us by email or call 732-588-1800.

Congregation B’nai Israel 171 Ridge Road, Rumson 07760 – Phone: 732-842-2800

Congregation B’nai Tikvah 1001 Finnegan Lane, North Brunswick 08902 – Phone: 732-297-0696

Congregation Neve Shalom 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen 08840 – Phone: 732-548-2238

Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva 2 Harrison St, Edison 08817 – Phone: 732-572-5052

Highland Park Conservative Temple – CAE 201 South 3rd Ave, Highland Park 08904 – Phone: 732-545-6482

Rutgers Hillel, 70 College Ave., New Brunswick 08901 – Phone: 732-545-2407

Temple B’nai Shalom 15 Fern Road, East Brunswick 08816 – Phone: 732-251-4300

Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth City 310 Mounts Corner Dr, Freehold 07728 – Phone: 732-252-6990

Monmouth Reform Temple 332 Hance Ave, Tinton Falls 07724 – Phone: 732-747-9365

More about Legacy Giving

The following articles provide additional context about legacy giving.