2021 Year in Review
Dear Friends,
While the world was still in the challenging process of finding a path forward after 2020, last year was another financially prosperous year for the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana (JEF). Bolstered by an outpouring of support from out fundholders and donors, as well as a robust market, JEF significantly increased its total assets under management to more than $100 million!
As we celebrate this milestone, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our founders who had the foresight and wisdom to create a “rainy-day” fund for our community. Because of those who came before us, JEF now has the capacity to support Jewish and secular needs across the state, country, and world. As our assets grow, so too does our General Fund. In 2021, JEF was able to quickly respond to immediate challenges, including community security and issues stemming from the pandemic and Hurricane Ida.
Troubling times present a critical opportunity for tikkun olam, our obligation as Jews to improve the world. Again, our fundholders stepped up, creating impact during a time of increasing needs in our community.
Collectively, grants distributed in 2021 from our donor advised, designated, and custodial funds, as well as our supporting foundations amounted to $6,196,390.
JEF’s support is possible only because of the resources we have built over the last 55 years. With the help of out dedicated Board of Directors, fundholders, donors, professional advisors, and other partners, we are optimistic about our future.
As our new mission states, JEF ensures a secure future and an enduring legacy by serving as an essential resource for Jewish and non-Jewish philanthropy. Because of your commitment to philanthropic giving, JEF can remain dedicated to growing our resources, providing assistance for the present, and building for the future. In other words, JEF is – and always will be – here for good.
Morton and Bobby
Morton H. Katz, Board President (Jan. 2021 – Dec. 2022)
R. Justin (Bobby) Garon, Executive Director