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Bequests

Bequests are more important now than ever before

Throughout the past century, the Jewish Federation of Chicago has worked with our donors to build a strong and vibrant Jewish community. Now you can extend your philanthropy to benefit future generations by including a bequest to the Jewish Federation in your will or estate plan. All bequests are recognized through The Centennial Campaign, which celebrates our commitment to the community.

A gift to The Legacy Fund, Jewish Federation’s unrestricted endowment, provides the best source of funds to meet future emergencies at home and abroad.


A strong Federation is a form of security — I want to ensure our community is protected. This past year reminded us to expect the unexpected. By including a gift to the Federation in my will, I’m helping to ensure our community has the stability to withstand whatever the future brings. From keeping up with technology to tackling antisemitism or a future global crisis, unrestricted gifts provide the agility to respond in a sophisticated, cutting-edge way.

Peter Bensinger, Jr.



It surprised me to see how many people think you have to give a lot to be a part of legacy giving, because you don’t. You don’t have to have deep pockets. What you have to have is a deep commitment to community.

Linda Schottenstein Fisher

Learn about wills and bequests

FAQ

A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make. With the help of your legal advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift be made to Jewish Federation as part of your estate plan.

View Bequest Language

A bequest can be made in several ways:

1. You can gift a specific dollar amount or asset

2. You can gift a percentage of your estate

3. You can gift from the balance or residue of your estate

Want to get started or learn more?

Contact Us

One fund. So much impact.

Your donation today makes a world of difference for Chicagoans in need, in the fight against rampant antisemitism here and across the globe and to ensure everyone in our community can safely participate in Jewish life.