Photo credit: Canva via Piotreskswat
When it comes to philanthropic giving, Jeff and Linda Solomon exemplify the power of strategy and intention. As Jewish Communal Fund (JCF) Fundholders, they’ve woven philanthropy into the fabric of their lives, turning it into a meaningful and impactful journey.
A Shared Journey
Jeff and Linda’s philanthropic story is deeply rooted in their shared experiences and values. Both grew up in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, in families committed to community involvement. Inspired by their parents’ example, the Solomons have prioritized creating a legacy of giving—one that is both thoughtful and transformative.
“We recognize the value of being involved in creating the world we want to see, however big or small that world is,” Jeff shares. “Our philanthropic journey started by giving back to the places that shaped us, and now we’ve shifted to a more deliberate approach focused on the change we want to create.”
Philanthropy as a Partnership
For the Solomons, philanthropy is a joint endeavor. Together, they’ve developed a structured strategy that aligns their giving with their values. Their guiding framework focuses on three pillars: Jewish continuity and peoplehood, combating antisemitism, and promoting inclusion and diversity through a Jewish lens.
“We sit down regularly to evaluate our giving,” Linda explains. “Using JCF’s tools, like the ability to download a decade of giving data, we’ve categorized our donations and identified areas for more intentional focus. This process has allowed us to maximize our impact and align our efforts with our core beliefs.”
Lessons in Strategic Giving
The Solomons emphasize the importance of applying intentionality to philanthropy. By treating their giving like an investment portfolio, they’ve categorized donations into “passive” and “active” contributions. Passive giving ensures baseline support for key organizations, like UJA-Federation of New York, while active giving allows them to dive deeper into causes they are most passionate about.
Their approach also includes identifying opportunities for collaboration. “We often look for force multipliers—ways to connect organizations working on similar goals to amplify their impact,” Jeff says.
Involving the Next Generation
Another cornerstone of their approach is fostering philanthropic values within their children. By involving their adult children in discussions and empowering them to make their own giving decisions, Jeff and Linda aim to instill a sense of responsibility and creativity in shaping the future.
“Giving them the tools and freedom to explore their own philanthropic passions is one of the most meaningful ways we can prepare them for the future,” Linda says.
The Role of JCF
The Jewish Communal Fund has played an integral role in the Solomons’ journey. “JCF makes it easy to explore, strategize, and execute on our philanthropic goals,” Jeff explains. “From consolidating all our giving in one place to providing actionable tools for analysis, JCF has been invaluable in helping us maximize our impact.”
A Model for Intentional Giving
Jeff and Linda’s story illustrates the potential of strategic philanthropy to drive meaningful change. Their journey offers a roadmap for anyone looking to align their charitable efforts with their values while leaving a lasting legacy.