Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE)

A Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) is a planned gift of $100,000 or more, typically established by a woman who gives $5,000 or more annually to Jewish Federation’s Community Campaign and is therefore a member of the Lion of Judah women’s giving society. The LOJE will yield an annual Lion-level contribution ($5,000+) to Jewish Federation’s Community Campaign, thereby making the endowment holder a Forever Lion.  

Forever Lions who establish a Lion of Judah Endowment of $200,000 or more are recognized by the National Star of David giving society. 

Jewish Community Foundation’s expert professionals can help to design an endowment to match your personal circumstances and to help you realize your philanthropic vision. Some frequently used donor funding vehicles include:

• Donor Advised Funds (DAF)
  A DAF allows you to manage all your charitable giving to Jewish and secular causes all in one place.
• Charitable Remainder Trusts
  Charitable remainder trusts provide lifetime income and an immediate tax deduction for you or your family, while ensuring the remaining assets support your chosen charitable purposes after your death.
• Charitable Bequests
  Charitable bequests let you use your will to create or grow a fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, ensuring your values sustain Jewish life in Pittsburgh long after your lifetime.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
  QCDs are tax-free transfers made directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified charity. While many donors use QCDs for annual giving, you can also use them to seed or grow a Lion of Judah Endowment at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. You can satisfy your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD), reduce your tax burden, and ensure that your commitment to Jewish Pittsburgh lasts forever.
• Life Insurance
  A gift of life insurance can be a meaningful way to create a lasting Jewish legacy in Pittsburgh. With modest premium payments, you can establish a permanent endowment, receive potential tax advantages and support the Jewish and secular causes you care about for generations to come.
• Retirement Plan Assets
  Retirement assets like Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s can become powerful Jewish legacies. Name the Federation as a beneficiary to create or grow an endowment that supports our community’s vital needs far into the future.
• Legacy Funds
  Legacy Funds are permanent endowments at the Jewish Community Foundation that turn your values into lasting support for the Federation’s Community Campaign, sustaining vital Jewish life in Pittsburgh for generations.

• 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 Foundation ensuring that critical support for the Jewish community continues for the future.