When Josh Bronstein joined Neuberger Berman nearly a decade ago, he didn’t expect that his second day on the job would introduce him to a tool that would reshape his approach to giving: donor advised funds. Today, Bronstein is not only a passionate advocate for philanthropy in his personal life, but also a strategic advisor who integrates donor advised funds for financial advisors into nearly every client conversation.
As a wealth advisor based in New York, Bronstein’s role spans investment strategy and financial planning. “I think of my job in two buckets,” he explains. “One is allocating capital based on risk and return. The other is helping families with everything from estate planning to charitable giving.”
A Personal Journey into Philanthropy
Bronstein’s philanthropic journey began in 2008 with East Harlem Tutorial Program, where he volunteered for nearly a decade. His passion for financial literacy and community engagement led him to UJA and Jewish Communal Fund (JCF), where he opened his own donor advised fund. “I haven’t donated cash since,” he says. “It’s increased my giving, made it easier, and allowed me to be more impactful.”
He and his wife now give to a wide range of organizations, often involving their children in the process. “I want philanthropy to be part of our family discussions,” he shares. “We talk about why we give and how it helps others.”
The Power of Donor Advised Funds in Financial Planning
For Bronstein, donor advised funds are more than a personal tool, they’re a cornerstone of his advisory practice. “I talk about donor advised funds almost weekly,” he says. “Most people don’t know what they are, and there’s still a huge education gap.”
He uses JCF’s platform to help clients contribute appreciated assets, offset capital gains, and simplify their charitable giving. “It’s a win-win-win,” he explains. “Clients get tax efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to give meaningfully.”
Bronstein often introduces donor advised funds during wealth simulation analyses, uncovering opportunities to donate securities or repurpose assets. “Especially with business owners or clients with crypto gains, it’s a no-brainer,” he adds.
A Deep Connection to Community
One organization close to Bronstein’s heart is the 92nd Street Y. After his daughter attended nursery school there, he joined the junior board and investment committee, eventually co-chairing the junior board. His fundraising efforts have supported everything from summer camps to musical theater programs for young children.
“92Y is big enough to have scale, but small enough for direct impact,” he says. “It’s become our community hub.”
Why JCF Stands Out
Bronstein credits JCF’s high-touch service and shared values for its success. “Clients love working with JCF,” he says. “They’re responsive, thoughtful, and aligned with our approach.”
He’s seen firsthand how donor advised funds through JCF outperform traditional foundations. “My account balance has doubled, and I’ve given away more than the 5% required by foundations,” he notes. “It’s allowed me to give more, more often.”
Advice for New Donors
For those just beginning their philanthropic journey, Bronstein offers clear guidance: “Make sure you’re giving tax efficiently. Donor advised funds for financial advisors make so much more sense than private foundations.”
He encourages donors to explore the differences and choose what works best for their goals. “With JCF, you retain control, gain flexibility, and support Jewish causes if you choose, but you can also give to any IRS-qualified nonprofit.”
Looking Ahead
Bronstein continues to share his insights on LinkedIn, as a way to create conversation and reach a broader group of people interested in financial planning and philanthropy. “Every conversation leads to more donor advised accounts,” he says. “It’s about being proactive, credible, and helping clients make a lasting impact.”
Ready to Start Your Giving Journey?
Whether you’re a financial advisor looking to guide your clients, or an individual ready to make a meaningful impact, Jewish Communal Fund is here to help.
Our team offers personalized support to ensure your giving is tax-efficient, flexible, and aligned with the causes you care about most.
Reach out to JCF today and take the next step in your philanthropic journey.