Today, the Jewish Future Pledge and The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) announced their first cohort of local Jewish Federations for a two-year pilot program to proliferate a culture of legacy giving in communities across North America. The partners originally planned to onboard 10 Federations in the first cohort, but after receiving overwhelming interest in participation, expanded the program to accommodate 11 cities. Cohort Federation communities include Portland, Tidewater (VA), Dallas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Greater Metro West (NJ), South Palm Beach County, Miami, Toronto, Birmingham and Houston.
The partnership comes at a critical time for the Jewish community. The social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has left the Jewish community more uncertain about its future than ever before. The partnership timing is also vital as the community is embarking on the largest transfer of wealth in history. According to the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College, $6.3 trillion could be allocated to charity over the next 25 years. The Jewish Future Pledge seeks to leverage this wealth transfer to secure the financial future of the Jewish people by directing hundreds of billions of dollars toward Jewish and Israel-related causes.
The Jewish Future Pledge calls on all Jews to sign a pledge that commits half or more of the charitable giving in their will/estate plan to support the Jewish people and/or the State of Israel. Whether it is for $10 or $10 million, every pledge contributes to securing a Jewish future for all. Cohort Federations will educate their communities about the importance of the Pledge, encouraging individuals to sign and share it with their family and friends. Once they sign the Jewish Future Pledge, donors will look to Jewish Federations to define their commitment through tangible gifts to causes they care about.
“The Jewish Future Pledge is thrilled to roll out this partnership with 12 Jewish Federations across North America, which holds great potential to strengthen the future of Jewish communities of all sizes,” said Jewish Future Pledge co-founder, Mike Leven. “Our strategic partnership will accelerate our new movement’s expansion across the country as we work to secure the funds needed to ensure that Jewish life is sustained for generations to come,” said Leven.
“We must act now with passion and creativity to ensure that future generations have the resources to build and maintain vibrant and dynamic Jewish institutions. In partnership with the Jewish Future Pledge, local Federation communities large and small are uniquely positioned to make an impact as we work to ensure our Jewish legacy remains strong. And we want everyone to know that whether you have $500 to give or $5 million, everyone has a part to play in securing the Jewish future,” said Mark Silberman, Chairman of the Jewish Future Pledge and JFNA National Board Member.
