2025 Year in Review

Dear Friends,

Since 1967, donors have chosen the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana (JEF) as a trusted partner in philanthropy. JEF is not only a steward of charitable resources, but also a collaborator in helping individuals and families translate their values into meaningful impact. Through thoughtful guidance and enduring relationships, we help donors shape philanthropic legacies that strengthen Jewish life across Louisiana.

Driven by both our continued growth and evolving communal needs, collaboration also guides our work with the JEF Board. This year, the Board advanced several key initiatives, including the launch of the Louisiana Jewish Community Security Fund, which was created to help safeguard Jewish institutions and communal spaces amid escalating vulnerability and rising security costs.

The Board is also engaged in a strategic planning process focused on reaching Jewish communities across Louisiana, fostering multigenerational philanthropy, and further integrating Jewish values into philanthropic decision-making. As part of this work, we are evaluating how our General Fund and other unrestricted resources can be distributed more intentionally to expand annual support for community organizations throughout the state.

JEF also values its long-standing relationships with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans (JFGNO) and our community agencies. In partnership, we work to address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term vitality, resilience, and continuity of Jewish life in Louisiana.

That spirit of collaboration extends to the professional advisors who work closely with JEF to help clients integrate charitable giving into their financial, estate, and legacy planning. Our advisors’ expertise and shared commitment to community ensure that philanthropy remains both strategic and deeply personal.

We are forever grateful to the donors, advisors, lay leaders, agencies, and community partners whose trust and partnership make this work possible. Together, we remain committed to ensuring that Jewish life in Louisiana is supported today, strengthened tomorrow, and sustained for generations to come.

Bob Brickman, Board President (Jan. 2025 – Dec. 2026)

R. Justin (Bobby) Garon, Executive Director