Grandchild and grandparents embracing

Your Impact. Your Legacy. Forever.

Mother and daughter planting flowers in garden

Leave a lasting legacy for the Jewish community you care about.

Leaving a legacy gift is more than a financial decision. It’s a reflection of your values, your commitment to the Jewish community, and your vision for the future.

At any age, income level, or stage of planning, you can make a meaningful impact. Legacy giving is simple, accessible, and lasting.

What Is a Legacy Gift?

A legacy gift is a commitment you make today to support the Jewish community in the future. It’s typically part of a long-term plan—such as a will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy—and allows you to extend your impact without affecting your finances now.

Legacy gifts help ensure a vibrant Jewish community for generations to come.

Why Your Jewish Legacy Matters

A legacy gift is one of the most meaningful ways to sustain the Jewish community for generations. Whether you care most about Jewish education, elder care, refugee resettlement, inclusive community-building, or combating antisemitism, your gift can help ensure a strong Jewish future.

Endowed legacy gifts offer critical stability, helping synagogues, schools, and community organizations remain resilient as needs evolve.

Want to direct your impact?

Field of Interest Funds and Donor Designated Funds let you support the causes—or the specific nonprofit—you care about most, from Israel and Jewish identity to aging populations.

 

Ways to Leave Your Legacy

Choose the option that works for you. Each one helps secure the future of the Jewish community you care about.

These gifts take effect in the future. No upfront funding required.

Bequest

Include Federation in your will or trust. It’s a powerful way to make a lasting impact without affecting your finances today. Learn more

IRA or Retirement Plan

Name Federation as a beneficiary. A tax-wise legacy gift, especially for heirs in higher tax brackets. Learn more

Life Insurance

Donate an existing policy or name the Federation as a beneficiary. A low-cost way to make a high-impact gift. Learn more

These options let you start your legacy today, often with immediate tax benefits. Begin with a minimum of $10,000 and grow your fund over time.

Cash or Appreciated Stock

Make a one-time gift using cash, stock, or other assets. Simple, immediate, and potentially tax-advantaged. Learn more

Charitable Gift Annuity or Trust

Give now, receive fixed income for life, and leave a meaningful legacy later. Learn more

Make Your Annual Gift Last Forever

If you’re already giving to Federation, a legacy gift can sustain your annual support far into the future.

Two meaningful ways to do that are:

  • Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE)
  • Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE)

These named funds continue your annual support year after year, turning today’s generosity into long-term impact. You can also name your fund in honor or memory of someone you love as a lasting tribute that carries their values forward.

Creating a lasting gift is more accessible than many people realize.

A simple rule of thumb: multiply your annual Federation gift by 20 to estimate your endowment goal. For example, a $5,000 annual gift can be sustained by a $100,000 endowment. You can begin your legacy with as little as $10,000 and grow your fund over time.

Whether you’re continuing a tradition or taking the first step, your legacy can begin today—with care that carries forward for generations.

Jewish man holding kiddish cup blesses his family at Shabbat

Want to learn more or explore your options?

Email Beth Goldstein at beth.goldstein@shalomdc.org to start the conversation.

Share Your Legacy

If you’ve included Federation in your legacy plans, let us know so we can honor your commitment and ensure your wishes are fulfilled. Simply fill out the form below. We’re grateful for your lasting impact.

This is not a legally binding document.