For over 20 years, Adam Chill has been a dedicated Fundholder at Jewish Communal Fund (JCF). His journey with JCF began with a simple recommendation from a friend, and it has since blossomed into a partnership that is enabling him to make a profound impact on his community. He initiated a donor advised fund to most effectively manage his charitable contributions.
Addressing a Critical Need
Adam’s philanthropic focus took on new meaning when he and a group of parents founded The Bayit Association in early 2021. This innovative organization tackles a critical need in Northern New Jersey’s Orthodox Jewish communities: housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
“As parents of these individuals age or become infirm, and as siblings move out of the community, what becomes of them?” Adam asks. The Bayit Association’s mission is to create fully Shomer Shabbat and Shomer Kashrut homes for adults with IDD, allowing them to live as independently as possible in a culturally appropriate environment. The support Adam receives from his donor advised fund helps keep this mission alive.
For Adam, this project is deeply personal. “My child’s emotional and medical challenges require around-the-clock supervision,” he explains. “Shabbat and the holidays are an important part of his life. It’s crucial for us to maintain these religious and cultural aspects in his living environment.”
Photo courtesy of the Bayit Association
Partnering for Expertise
Recognizing the complexity of their mission, Adam and The Bayit Association partnered with Ohel, an organization with extensive experience in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. This collaboration allowed The Bayit Association to leverage Ohel’s expertise in providing a full range of outpatient and residential services, ensuring that their homes would offer the best possible care and support for residents while maintaining a strong focus on Jewish values and practices.
The Power of Flexibility in Charitable Giving
Adam’s experience with JCF has been instrumental in bringing The Bayit Association to life. He particularly values JCF’s personalized service and flexibility. “There’s a lot of flexibility in the JCF format,” Adam notes. “Being able to pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey, I want to do this. Can we figure out how to do it?’ versus dealing with a large, impersonal organization makes a huge difference.”
This flexibility proved crucial when Adam needed to donate complex assets to fund The Bayit Association. He worked closely with JCF staff and their counsel to navigate the intricacies of donating illiquid securities from a private company that went public. “With a little creativity, we were able to effectuate a transfer that met our goals and all the IRS requirements,” Adam recalls. This strategy allowed him to protect the value of the donation and its tax treatment, ultimately facilitating a substantial contribution to The Bayit Association.
Photo courtesy of the Bayit Association
A Vision for the Future
As The Bayit Association grows, with two homes already purchased in Teaneck and plans for more, Adam continues to rely on his JCF donor advised fund to support this vital mission. His vision is to open a new home every year to year and a half, addressing the needs of approximately 100+ families in Northern New Jersey who will need housing for their adult children with IDD within the next decade.
Adam’s advice for those just starting their philanthropic journey? “Don’t worry about the size. Start off smaller, and hopefully over time, you build up and will be able to give larger amounts.”
Through his work with The Bayit Association and his partnership with JCF, Adam Chill is creating a lasting legacy of care and community support. His story exemplifies how JCF empowers Fundholders to turn their philanthropic visions into reality, no matter how complex or ambitious they may be.
Learn more at bayitnj.org and support The Bayit Association by making a grant with your JCF fund.