Why Choose JCFW

JCFW is your community foundation and our board is made up of people you know that share your values. The funds are managed by professional investment advisors with oversight from the JCFW Investment Committee and the JCFW Board of Directors to ensure that funds are maintained according to specific investment management strategies and policies. The current investment policy with available fund portfolios is available here. The Investment Committee along with the professional advisors work diligently to obtain competitive returns on our investments while adhering to the Investment Policy. The JCFW conducts an annual audit with a reputable audit firm knowledgeable in foundations. The annual audit has generated a “clean opinion” annually from the accounting firm.

We maintain strict adherence to donor confidentiality. When you make your grant recommendations you have the ability to request the donation be made anonymously, avoiding further solicitations from the grantee. We accept appreciated assets and IRA rollover funds (in IRS-compatible funds). We have a low minimum contribution level, we neither charge to open a fund, or make a grant nor do we charge an administrative fee to add money to any fund we hold at the JCFW.

Grants initiated by our fundholders from their donor-advised funds or endowments make up the majority of JCFW grantmaking. These grants support charitable organizations ranging from our local Federation, Synagogues, and other participating organizations to programs in Israel and Jewish organizations overseas. Additionally, our fund holders have donated to many secular organizations both within our country and globally. Fund holders may request grants from their Donor Advised Fund on the donor portal at any time, with distributions mailed every two weeks following the JCFW confirmation process. 

Expertise and Service

The JCFW staff are experts in creating meaningful, strategic giving plans that are tax-efficient and cost-effective. We will research any cause or organization that interests you. We anticipate and address your giving needs, regardless of your giving level.

Institutional Investment Advisors and Philanthropic Solutions

Since our inception, JCFW has always strived to surround the Foundation with partners that understand our mission. To ensure our Fund holders reach their goals Merrill Lynch Institutional Investment Advisors team along with their Philanthropic Solutions team will continue to ensure our Fund Holders’ charitable journey is memorable.

Convenience

Our online portal is user-friendly, and you can recommend a grant starting at $100 to any qualified nonprofit organization. Very little paperwork and no administrative hassle means you can focus on the more important aspects of giving. 

Merrill Lynch Institutional Investment Advisor team will be available to provide an extensive explanation of the JCFW portfolios when a Donor Advised Fund, Quasi Endowment, or Permanent Endowment is established. 

Innovation

The JCFW is consistently on the leading edge in social impact for individuals, families, and organizations.

• The Foundation provides a fully automated online portal with donor access to request grants, make donations, and review monthly, quarterly, and annual reports that reside in each personal account.

• All JCFW investments provide market-rate financial performance while selecting investments sensitive to the environment, social issues, and support of Israel.

• Nonprofit organizations can take advantage of our quasi-endowment or permanent endowment funds for the top-notch investment management of both endowments and cash reserves. Annual audits ensure the proper management and utilization of their funds.