Create a Jewish Legacy is getting a reboot!    

In January, the JUF Create a Jewish Legacy (CJL) program will launch a new service to help organizations with legacy giving through individual consultations.   

Since its inception in 2014, Create a Jewish Legacy has helped 39 local synagogues, day schools, and other Jewish organizations raise nearly $58 million in legacy commitments. Through CJL’s structured program, participants learn new strategies and tactics to secure and formalize endowment gifts. In return, organizations are awarded incentive grants upon completing specific goals.  

Generously supported by the Crown Family, JUF’s local program is part of a national program created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to preserve vibrant Jewish life for future generations.  

Through the new model, staff will provide guidance and training for local Jewish organizations to bolster their endowment. The free service will ask interested organizations to complete a needs assessment that will be used by staff to create an individualized program for appropriate institutions.  CJL staff will educate organizational staff on various giving vehicles available to donors, and guide them on marketing, prospecting, donor engagement strategies, and stewardship techniques. 

“We’re so grateful for the guidance we received from Create a Jewish Legacy,” said Janice Hadesman, Executive Director of Temple Beth-El in Northbrook. “We are no longer afraid to ‘ask’ and strive to change the culture so that ‘the ask’ will get easier and easier.”   

With the current pandemic facing the world today, learning how to prioritize building a robust savings account for emergencies is more important than ever. Similar to the current model, CJL’s new structure will provide organizations with the skills and know-how to integrate legacy giving into their culture.     

As CJL evolves to its new model, the two remaining cohorts will stay the course toward achieving their goals.   

In light of COVID-19, CJL has extended its deadline to the end of October. Organizations that reach their goals prior to the extended deadline have received additional incentives. So far, CJL has granted $135,000 in incentive grants to this year’s participants.     

“The programming and incentive grants helped our development staff focus on legacy fundraising in order to strengthen our organization now and in the future,” said Linda Hoffenberg, Director of Institutional Advancement for Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. “Thank you for teaching these fishermen how to fish.”   

To learn how you can work with JUF’s Create a Jewish Legacy, email Rachel Sherman at  [email protected] .