2020Year in Review

Dear Friends,

The welfare of the Jewish community is at the heart of everything we do at the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana (JEF). It centers us, especially as the world continues living through the coronavirus pandemic. JEF is here to care for the needs of the Jewish community for the long term, to address both the Jewish and non-Jewish philanthropic wishes of our donors, and to put a safety net under our Jewish institutions. JEF is clear and resolved in our work to ensure a strong and vibrant Jewish community in the Greater New Orleans area and throughout Louisiana.

2020 was a year of economic disruption, calls for racial justice, and the continued rise of faith-based crimes. Though we cannot be confident of what the future holds, JEF remains rooted in our commitment to honor the past, support the present, and invest in the future of our Jewish community. This pandemic confirmed JEF’s critical role in helping our community weather a storm and come out intact.

JEF’s assets under management grew by more than $ 18.1 million to $ 87.3 million. With more than $ 14 million in new money—almost double the gifts received in our previous record-setting year—and a very strong market, we experienced the largest increase in any given year in our organization’s history.

We are living through an unprecedented moment in time, but what gives us hope is the equally unprecedented commitment of our donors, who opened their hearts and united in their charitable giving. JEF distributed more than $7 million in grants from our donor advised, designated, and custodial funds, as well as our supporting foundations.

To all of our donors, professional advisors, and other partners, and on behalf of our dedicated Board of Directors, thank you for inspiring us with your generosity of spirit and giving, and for joining us in building a strong future for our Jewish community. Stay safe and well,

Morton H. Katz, Board President

R. Justin (Bobby) Garon, Executive Director