O U R J E W I S H F U T U R E
B E G I N S W I T H Y O U
WHAT IS A LEGACY GIFT?
A legacy gift, also known as a planned gift, is a donation through a person’s will or estate plan. These gifts can include cash, property, a percentage of the estate, or other assets. For organizations like Schechter, legacy gifts ensure stable funding for the future, even during times of economic uncertainty. For donors, legacy gifts may provide tax benefits, making it a financially wise way to support Schechter.
HOW ARE LEGACY GIFTS DIFFERENT FROM ANNUAL GIFTS?
Annual gifts ensure access to a quality Schechter education for today’s students and families. Legacy gifts allow anyone, regardless of wealth, to make a lasting impact on future generations.
“Schechter has been such a gift to our family, instilling in our children a deep-rooted Jewish identity and a love of learning, and providing us with lasting friendships. We proudly support the annual Schechter Fund, and by adding a legacy gift, we are helping to ensure that the gift of Schechter continues for future generations.”
– Tami & Reuben Warshawsky, Parents of Alumni
REASONS TO LOCK IN YOUR JEWISH LEGACY GIFT TODAY
- Thanks to a special incentive from JUF, if you declare your legacy gift by December 31st, Schechter will receive a financial bonus from JUF.
- This year, when you commit to a legacy gift of $10,000 or more, your name will be added to a plaque at Schechter recognizing our mezuzah sponsors.
YOUR LEGACY, YOUR STORY: WAYS TO GIVE
- Include a gift to Schechter in your will, trust, or estate plan.
- Add or change a beneficiary designation on an IRA, pension fund, or life insurance policy. Specify a dollar amount or a percentage.
- Give a direct cash gift to Schechter’s endowment.
- Increase your current income while making a gift through a Charitable Gift Annuity or a Charitable Remainder Trust.
YOUR LEGACY GIFT: 4 STEPS TO GET STARTED
- Discuss your intentions with your financial advisor, estate planning attorney, or tax expert.
- Decide on a specific gift amount, a percentage of your estate, or other assets such as real estate or securities.
- Include your legacy gift to Schechter in your documents.
- Complete a Declaration of Intent to let us know about your legacy gift. This helps us express our gratitude, understand your wishes, and plan accordingly.
T O L E A R N M O R E
Contact Tami Warshawsky, Director of Development, at tami.warshawsky@schechter.org
Legacy gifts to Schechter go to the Solomon Schechter Endowment Foundation. The Solomon Schechter Endowment Foundation was created in partnership with the Jewish Federation’s Day School Endowment Program, which was established to ensure that Schechter and our Chicago-area Jewish day schools have the necessary resources to meet community needs. All endowment commitments are recognized as gifts to the Jewish Federation’s Centennial Campaign.
