Giving Opportunities
 

Give Today

Stocks and Bonds
A gift of appreciated securities is a simple, impactful way to support the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids. In many cases, donating stocks or bonds directly may help you avoid capital gains taxes you would owe if you sold them first.

Real Estate
Donating real property—such as a home, vacation property, vacant land, farmland, or commercial property—can be a meaningful gift and may offer potential tax benefits, including minimizing capital gains on appreciated property.

Retirement Assets
Retirement assets can be an excellent way to make a charitable gift. Options may include naming the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids as a beneficiary of a 401(k), 403(b), pension, or other tax-deferred plan.

If you are eligible, you may also be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to the Federation. A QCD can allow certain donors (generally age 70½ or older) to give directly from an IRA—up to $100,000 per year (and potentially $100,000 per year from a spouse’s IRA as well, if eligible).

A QCD must be made directly to the Federation and generally cannot be used to fund certain vehicles (such as a donor advised fund). You may be able to direct your gift to support an area of greatest need or a purpose that matters most to you—such as the Annual Campaign or other Federation initiatives. We can provide a sample letter you can use to request an IRA distribution be sent directly to the Federation.

Donor Advised Philanthropic Funds
A donor advised philanthropic fund is a meaningful way to organize and express your tzedakah—often described as a “charitable checkbook.” It allows you to make a gift to your fund, recommend grants to qualified organizations over time, and align your giving with the needs and priorities of the Jewish community.

Your charitable dollars may grow tax-free inside the fund, increasing the resources available for future giving. Federation staff can support the grantmaking process and handle recordkeeping. In many cases, a fund can be established with an irrevocable gift of cash, securities, or other property (minimums may apply).

Cash
A gift of cash is a straightforward way to support our work—whether you give once, monthly, or in honor or memory of someone special.

Click here to donate today.

Leave Your Legacy

Life Insurance
If a life insurance policy is no longer needed for your family’s financial security, consider naming the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids as a beneficiary. This can be a simple way to create a lasting impact.

Charitable Bequests

Including the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids in your will or estate plan is a powerful way to protect the people you love while helping ensure a vibrant Jewish future. A bequest may include cash, securities, insurance, or property, and it may reduce the taxable portion of your estate while allowing you to retain use of your assets during your lifetime.

You may also choose to let us know about your plans by signing a Declaration of Intent. While not a legal document, it helps us honor your wishes and recognize your legacy.

Create Income for Life

Charitable Gift Annuity
A charitable gift annuity is a contract that can provide fixed payments for life to you and/or someone you choose. In exchange for an irrevocable gift of cash or marketable securities, you receive dependable income and may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction for the gift portion. After the annuity ends, the remaining value supports the Federation—creating a lasting legacy grounded in tzedakah and Klal Yisrael.

Charitable Remainder Trust
A charitable remainder trust can help you create a legacy while receiving income for life (or for a set number of years). At the end of the trust term, the remaining assets support charitable purposes you designate. This strategy can offer potential tax benefits, including a charitable deduction and, in some cases, reduced capital gains tax on appreciated assets transferred into the trust.

Charitable Lead Trust
A charitable lead trust is a way to support the Federation for a period of time while ultimately transferring assets to children or grandchildren. It can be especially useful when assets are expected to appreciate, and it may help reduce estate and gift taxes depending on the structure.

Named Endowment Fund
A named endowment fund creates a permanent legacy in your name or in honor of a loved one. You can often direct how annual distributions are used—supporting the community, today and for generations.

Endowments are typically established with an irrevocable gift of cash, securities, or other property (minimums may apply).

Contact

For more information about matching your financial and philanthropic goals, please contact Nicole Katzman at (616) 942-5553​ or [email protected], and/or consult your personal legal, tax, and financial advisors.

Disclaimer: This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your own professional advisors when considering gift planning strategies.