Charitable Bequests

CHARITABLE BEQUESTS are instructions in a will that designate a specific dollar amount or a portion of your estate to charity. You may use a charitable bequest to establish a fund within the Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh to enable you to help ensure the future well-being of the Jewish community.

When you make a Charitable Bequest, you direct the Foundation regarding the allocation of your bequest. For example, to create or augment an unrestricted endowment fund, a Legacy Fund, a special purpose fund, a donor-advised fund, or a supporting foundation. By signing a “Letter of Intent,” you enable the Foundation to register your charitable bequest. We will provide you with the language for your Letter of Intent.

You may establish a testamentary charitable remainder trust through your will that provides payments to one or more designated beneficiaries for their lifetimes with the remainder going to the Foundation upon their deaths.

• You may be able to reduce estate taxes for your heirs.
• Testamentary Charitable Remainder Trusts can provide loved ones with income during their lifetimes and a benefit to the Jewish community upon their deaths.
• Your generosity during your lifetime can extend to help the Jewish community far into the future.

Making a gift to the Jewish Community Foundation through your will is a simple way to create lasting impact.

When you include the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh in your estate plans, your gift is used to establish a permanent endowment fund in your name (or the name you choose). That fund is administered by the Jewish Community Foundation, which invests and stewards the assets to support the purpose you designate—year after year.

You may choose to:

• Support a specific Jewish organization or program
• Focus on an area you care about, such as education, security or human services
• Or allow your fund to address the community’s most pressing needs over time

Each year, a portion of the endowment is distributed to support your chosen purpose, while the remainder is invested so your generosity can help sustain the Jewish community for generations.

If circumstances change in the future and your original instructions can no longer be carried out exactly as written, the Foundation will direct your gift to a closely related purpose that reflects your original intent. This ensures your philanthropic goals continue to be honored, even as community needs evolve.

Your gift is carefully managed according to established policies and Pennsylvania law, providing long‑term stability, responsible stewardship, and peace of mind for you and your family.