The gifts Americans give to charity annually provide critical support for more than a million organizations, helping sustain the quality of life in our communities. Philanthropy equates to 2% of GDP–a little more than the home healthcare services sector! Trust is growing as a prerequisite before your clients decide to give to an organization.

With trust in charitable organizations driving so many giving decisions, it's important for you and your clients to be aware of Tidewater Jewish Foundation's (TJF) role and commitment to stewardship. Every day, the TJF team works with members of our board of directors, civic leaders, and nonprofit organizations to deeply understand the areas where the people in our community need the most help. 

Today, the most pressing need might be emergency assistance in response to a disaster. Tomorrow, our community might need additional resources to combat the escalation in antisemitism on college campus. Indeed, our community's needs are ever-changing. TJF always has its finger on the pulse of the community's top priorities and the best way to address them. Through its convening power, community knowledge, and perpetual mission, TJF is an unparalleled resource to make our community better for everyone.  

As you talk with your clients about their philanthropic plans, remember that many individuals and families establish multiple funds at Tidewater Jewish Foundation to meet their various charitable giving needs. For example, a family might establish a donor-advised fund to organize their annual giving, making it easy to track gifts of appreciated stock and support for many individual charities. A member of this family might also set up a charitable remainder trust with TJF to accept a gift of highly-appreciated real estate and retain an income stream for life. This family might also establish an unrestricted fund or make gifts to existing funds that TJF and its board of directors specifically designate to address the most critical needs of our community. 

For example, your client may decide to:

• Contribute to an unrestricted fund at TJF to support the foundation's community impact grant-making for the needs of today. 
• Donate to TJF's operating fund to support the foundation's mission for years to come. 
• Support a special initiative fund to fund ongoing security needs, Israel and overseas needs, or Jewish Education while relying on TJF's network and expertise to invest the dollars where they're needed most critically. 

Whatever ways your clients choose to get involved, you'll know that you and your clients can trust Tidewater Jewish Foundation to make a lasting difference in the community we all love.

The team at Tidewater Jewish Foundation is a resource and sounding board as you serve your philanthropic clients. We understand the charitable side of the equation and are happy to serve as a secondary source as you manage the primary relationship with your clients. This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice.