Lion of Judah Endowment Funds

LION OF JUDAH ENDOWMENT FUNDS your commitment of $5,000 or more to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Annual Campaign, ensuring that your legacy in helping meet our community needs will go on forever.

How Does It Work?

You create a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) by establishing a fund of $100,000 or more to perpetuate your legacy. LOJE Funds of $200,000 or more are recognized by the National Star of David Giving Society.

Every woman’s situation is unique. In recognition of different estate planning and tax objectives, the Jewish Community Foundation’s expert professionals can help to design a LOJE to match your personal circumstances and to help you realize your philanthropic vision. Some frequently used donor funding vehicles include:

A simple bequest in a will or trust

You leave money to the Jewish Community Foundation in your will or trust.

An outright gift

You give appreciated assets or cash to the Jewish Community Foundation during your lifetime.

A life insurance policy

You designate the Jewish Community Foundation as the owner and beneficiary, making your premium payments tax-deductible. For qualifying policies, the Foundation will pay one-half of the premiums.

A donor-advised fund or supporting foundation

You may use annual grants from these funds to create a LOJE. You may also dedicate the remainder of these funds after your death to create an endowment.

An IRA or pension plan

You designate the Jewish Community Foundation as the beneficiary of your IRA or pension benefit. Funding a LOJE with an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or pension plan rather than through a bequest will save your heirs income tax on the amount used to fund your LOJE. The Jewish Community Foundation’s experts can help you to make this transfer as part of a total estate plan.

A Life Income Plan or charitable gift annuity

This option offers the benefit of life income payments with a tax deduction. The remainder of a LifeIncome Plan or charitable gift annuity may be dedicated to a LOJE.

What Are The Benefits?

• If you make the gift during your lifetime, you receive a charitable income tax deduction.
• If a gift is made upon your death through your estate plan, your estate may receive a charitable estate tax deduction.
• Your named endowment fund will be managed by the Jewish Community Foundation ensuring that critical support for the Jewish community continues for the future.

LOJE by the Numbers

$5,000 Gift to the annual campaign
Each Lion of Judah commits to a leadership gift of $5,000 or more in her own name to the Annual Campaign.

17,500 Lions around the World
As a Lion of Judah, you join a sisterhood of 17,500 philanthropic women worldwide.

3,600 Women have created a LOJE
By creating a Lion of Judah Endowment, you ensure that your legacy as a Lion will live on long after your lifetime.