It is a gift of an asset after you pass away.
Life & Legacy Program
The Jewish communal institutions of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties have proudly joined together to strengthen our roots through the launch of our Life & Legacy program.
Our community-wide Life & Legacy program will create a unified approach to Legacy Giving across our organizations to ensure that our community will flourish for generations to come.
Join us as we plant the seeds for tomorrow…
“It is not upon you to finish the work, but you are not free to ignore it.” (Mishna, Ethics, 2:21)
Learn how you can support the generations to come.
Expressing Your Intent
It's easy to create your own personal legacy.
Start by signing a simple letter of intent, a non-binding promise to leave a gift in the future to the organization(s) of your choice.
With a legacy gift you can still take care of your family while also leaving something to preserve the programs and organizations that you care about.
Most legacy gifts are simple designations in a will, retirement account, or life insurance policy. Consult your financial adviser regarding these or other planned gifts.
See frequently asked questions about the program below.
Partner Organizations
Chabad of Greater Somerset, Congregation B'nai Israel, Congregation Kehilat Shalom, Flemington Jewish Community Center, JCC Camp Ruach, Jewish Center of Northwest New Jersey, Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties, Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties, Or Chadash, Shimon & Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Temple Beth-El and Temple Sholom
With the guidance of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer & Harold Grinspoon Foundation's Life & Legacy program
Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone. This is not just for the wealthy or seniors. There is no minimum gift required, and no expectation of payment while you are living.
Legacy gifts are usually only a percentage of your estate and demonstrate to your heirs your commitment to Jewish values.
Legacy gifts can take many forms: stocks, bonds, real estate, retirement assets, cash, life insurance proceeds, etc.
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.
Yes - if your circumstances change you can adjust the amount of your 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.
The long-term future of the Jewish community requires adequate financial resources. Recent studies show organizations will 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.
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.
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.
Please discuss your wishes with your designated organization of choice. If someone leaves money for a specific purpose, the organization should honor those wishes.
The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer manages the endowment funds for the organizations in our community. They have been managing endowment funds for many years and have an excellent performance record.
Average returns have been 4-5% annually.
The first step is to complete a letter of intent by completing the form below. For questions, contact Shaina Sherman (SSherman@Jewishfamilysvc.org or 908-725-7799 x110) or Robin Wishnie (Rwishnie@jfedshaw.org or 908-758-2001).