Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a time for family, tradition, and reflection. It’s also the perfect opportunity to engage your family in philanthropyLighting the Way: Uniting Generations Through the Spirit of Giving This Chanukah Lizzie Cody, Philanthropic Advisor December 11, 2024 148 Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a time for family, tradition, and reflection. It’s also the perfect opportunity to bring light to the lives of others by engaging your family in philanthropy. By exploring your shared values and creating a legacy of giving, you can deepen your connection to one another and your community. “Sharing your philanthropic journey with your family during Chanukah provides a chance to discuss the legacy you wish to build.” Why Family Philanthropy? Consider what first inspired your giving. Was it an organization that impacted your family? A cause close to your heart? A sense of responsibility or a desire to give back? These motivations often reflect deeply held values. Chanukah, with its emphasis on miracles and gratitude, offers a meaningful moment to reflect on these values with your loved ones. Sharing your philanthropic journey with your family provides a chance to discuss the legacy you wish to build. It’s an opportunity to pass down your history, traditions, and values to the next generation, fostering a sense of communal responsibility and reinforcing the importance of tzedakah, charitable giving. Creating a Family Tradition of Giving At the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal (JCF), we make it simple to involve your family in philanthropy. By opening a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), you can include your children or other family members as part of your Advisory Committee. You may also select a replacement chair to continue granting decisions or leave specific instructions to ensure your legacy endures. “Chanukah is about more than lighting candles; it’s about bringing light to others.” Engaging your family ensures that the causes and organizations that matter most to you remain supported for generations. It also allows your loved ones to carry forward the values that guided your philanthropy, deepening their connection to both your family’s history and the community. Philanthropy for All Ages For younger family members, JCF offers the Bnai Tzedek Fund, which empowers children to begin their own journey in giving. Through this program, Bar and Bat Mitzvah gifts can be transformed into an endowment fund, with JCF matching up to $750 Family philanthropy isn’t limited by age. For younger family members, JCF offers the Bnai Tzedek Fund, which empowers children to begin their own journey in giving. Through this program, Bar and Bat Mitzvah gifts can be transformed into an endowment fund, with JCF matching up to $750. Each year, these young philanthropists can choose which charities to support, fostering early lessons in giving back. “For younger family members, JCF offers the Bnai Tzedek Fund, which empowers children to begin their own journey in giving.” For older children and adults, JCF’s Philanthropic Advisors provide expert guidance in creating a family mission for charitable giving. These conversations can unite the family around shared values and goals, creating a philanthropic tradition that everyone can be proud of. A Chanukah Gift That Lasts Chanukah is about more than lighting candles; it’s about bringing light to others. By involving your family in philanthropy, you create a lasting impact that goes beyond the holiday season. Together, you can celebrate your values and strengthen your family’s legacy. If you’re ready to explore family philanthropy, contact a JCF Philanthropic Advisor at [email protected] or 514.345.6414. Let us help you make this Chanukah the start of a bright, enduring tradition of giving.
