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It starts with establishing a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at the Jewish Community Foundation of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, your giving becomes part of something larger, where you’ll gain a trusted philanthropic partner and join a vibrant community of donors who learn together, give with purpose, and strengthen Jewish life for generations to come.
To welcome new fundholders into this community, the Foundation will make a $1,800 gift to an eligible Jewish or Israeli organization chosen by each of the first 100 newly established DAF holders. It’s our way of investing alongside you from day one and celebrating the beginning of a long-term philanthropic partnership.
Open a Donor Advised Fund
Support what defines you.
We’ll help you develop a giving strategy that reflects your Jewish values and supports the people and causes you care about most within the Jewish community and beyond.
Pass along what matters most.
You can demonstrate for the next generation how to embrace the values of tzedakah (charitable giving), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and kehilla (community) and create opportunities for children and grandchildren to learn, give, and strengthen Jewish life together.
Strengthen Jewish life and the broader world.
When you give through the Foundation, your generosity strengthens the organizations and initiatives that make Jewish life flourish.
Build a lasting legacy.
Community needs will evolve. Your values won’t. We’ll help ensure your philanthropy continues to anticipate the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
Wherever you are in your philanthropic journey, we’re here to help. These are answers to common questions about the Open More Possibilities.
Looking for more information? Explore Donor Advised Funds or contact our team to discuss your philanthropic goals.
Individuals and families opening a new Donor Advised Fund with the Jewish Community Foundation during the campaign period. The first 100 donors who open a Donor Advised Fund will be eligible for the $1,800 gift incentive.
Absolutely. Many donors use their Donor Advised Fund to engage children and grandchildren in conversations about values, generosity, and Jewish life. Others establish new funds to celebrate milestones such as a bar or bat mitzvah, wedding, anniversary, birthday, or other meaningful occasion.
Open More Possibilities will run until either the first 100 Donor Advised Funds are opened or for 18 months (August 2026 – February 2027).
Donors may recommend the Foundation’s $1,800 grant to any eligible Jewish or Israeli nonprofit that meets the Foundation’s grantmaking guidelines, including The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. All grant recommendations are subject to the Foundation’s standard grant review and approval process.
Yes. The Foundation’s $1,800 grant may be directed to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington or another eligible Jewish or Israel-focused nonprofit. If you’re unsure where to begin, Federation is a meaningful choice, helping care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life, and respond whenever our community needs us most.
After your Donor Advised Fund has been established and funded, and you’ve recommended an eligible Jewish or Israeli nonprofit, the Foundation will complete its standard due diligence and approval process, including review by the Philanthropic Fund Advisory Committee (PFAC), before the grant is issued. Grants will go out within two weeks of the fund’s establishment.
Opening a Donor Advised Fund is straightforward, and our team will work with you to make the process simple and seamless. The process typically takes 24 hours to open and fund the account, with an additional 1-7 days to process the assets, depending on the assets you are contributing.
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows you to make a tax-deductible contribution, invest those charitable assets, and recommend grants to the nonprofit organizations you care about over time. It offers a simple, flexible, and tax-efficient way to support your philanthropy while giving when and where it matters most.
Open quickly and easily through the donor portal. Our team will follow up with you to understand and assist with your individual goals.
A Donor Advised Fund can be established with a minimum contribution of $10,000.
Our standard fees apply. We use a sliding fee scale depending on the size of your DAF. Funds up to $500K are charged an annual fee of 1%. Fees on the next $9.5M are charged 0.5%. For higher balances, a sliding fee scale is used. These fees are subject to change by Foundation’s Trustees.
Our fees support general Foundation services, donor learning and collaborative funding communities, and community projects of the Foundation focused on building a better world and vibrant Jewish community.
Yes. Existing Donor Advised Funds can often be transferred to the Jewish Community Foundation. Our team will guide you through the process and work with your current provider to make the transition as smooth as possible. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
All grant recommendations are reviewed through the Foundation’s standard due diligence and approval process to ensure they comply with IRS regulations, Foundation policies, and our grantmaking guidelines.
The Foundation funds legally recognized 501c3 organizations within and beyond the Jewish community. The Foundation does not fund any organizations that through their mission, funding (direct or indirect), activities, or partnerships:
Grant recommendations cannot provide a personal benefit, fulfill a legally binding pledge, support political campaigns, or otherwise violate applicable laws or Foundation policies.
Every new possibility begins with a first step—and we’re here to take it with you.
Open a Donor Advised Fund with the Foundation and begin a lifelong partnership rooted in Jewish values, thoughtful guidance, and lasting impact.