In March 1972, the Jewish Communal Fund (JCF) held its inaugural meeting at the Harmonie Club, where Herbert M. Singer was elected as JCF’s first President. With great foresight, he declared his belief that this new donor advised fund would become a powerful force for the welfare of the Jewish community both locally and globally.
Fifty-two years later, Mr. Singer’s vision has been spectacularly realized. As of our fiscal year 2024, ending June 30, JCF Fundholders have distributed over $1 BILLION through nearly 90,000 individual grants! This milestone is a testament to the incredible impact of collective philanthropy.
The advantages of utilizing your JCF account are numerous. Tax benefits, an easy-to-use portal, simplified record-keeping, and personalized service, to name a few. However, perhaps the most profound benefit of a JCF account is the readiness to respond in times of crisis. The past few years have underscored this need, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Most recently, the unprecedented challenges facing the Jewish people have prompted an extraordinary outpouring of support.
The leading grant recipients this year—including UJA Federation of NY (1,371 grants), American Friends of Magen David Adom (843 grants), Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (801 grants), Friends of United Hatzalah (679 grants), and P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds (520 grants)—highlight our community’s deep concern for Israel.
As we continue to pray for the release of hostages and the restoration of peace in Israel, your unparalleled generosity in supporting both Jewish and secular causes ensures that Herbert M. Singer’s visionary dream lives on.