2015 Year in Review
At the end of each year, we look back at the progress we have made in accomplishing our mission of sustaining our Jewish community now and for the future.
As we go to press, our foundation has almost $48 million in total assets under administration. Our General (Unrestricted) Fund is approaching $3.7 million. In 2014 and thus far in 2015, we have granted $120,650 from our General Fund. Our donors, through donor advised, designated, and custodial funds and supporting foundations, granted more than $3.5 million last year – the largest amount ever. Our Jewish community continues to be a leader in philanthropy in the Greater New Orleans area.
With your support and our prudent management, we are facing the future with fiscal responsibility. We are grateful to each of you who has contributed to and partnered with JEF for your confidence and contributions. You are securing the future of our community.
The following funds have been opened since our last Annual Report through November 1, 2015: Donor Advised: Phyllis and Jack Alltmont, Court 13 Arts, Albert and Pearl Daube #1, Albert and Pearl Daube #2, Richard and Ina Davis, Greg Friedler for Creative Expression, Louis and Lillian Glazer Family, Bella Goldman Memorial, JFGNO Allocations Endowment, JoAnn and Larry Katz, NGCF, Roswell J. Weil Memorial; Designated: Byrde B. Haspel Make-A-Wish Foundation, Byrde B. Haspel NCJW, Byrde B. Haspel United Way, Maury A. Herman JFGNO, Harold Wainer; Custodial: Touro Synagogue Hunger, Charles Zucker; B’nai Maimonides: Emma Stotter Benjamin, Kaitlin L. Gelman; Young Philanthropist: Daniel Jacob Wise; Supporting Foundation: Charles D. Zucker; Insurance: Joshua L. Rubenstein.
This year we have received very generous donations from community members who have passed away. They supported our Jewish community during their lifetimes and now, through their legacies, in perpetuity. We are most grateful to Charlie Zucker, Babs and J.E. Isaacson, Al Daube, and an anonymous donor.
In this Annual Report, we are featuring community benefactors who have created Jewish legacies and signed JEF’s Book of Life. Quotations from their Book of Life statements will be found throughout this report.
You, too, can be a benefactor. Your generosity and support can live on. By creating your Jewish legacy, you can help assure that our Jewish community remains strong for future generations.
Each of us has an opportunity to make a difference. If you have not given to JEF before, please consider doing so now. There is no gift that is too small; any donation will contribute to the safekeeping of our Jewish community. Remember a special occasion or a loved one or just support JEF with a donation to the General Fund in the enclosed envelope.
Did you know that you can avoid capital gains taxes, receive a current tax deduction, and provide for your favorite charities now and in the future by opening a fund at JEF? In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, securing our future is critically important. Please call your professional advisor, or call Sandy Levy or Patti Lengsfield at JEF at 504-524-4559 to help you take advantage of this opportune moment.
With best wishes for a happy and healthy 2016,