In its new annual report, the Jewish Community Foundation reflects upon how the Foundation, its fundholders and partner organizations found positive ways to make an impact during an unprecedentedly challenging year.
The theme of the 2020 report is “Celebrating Silver Linings,” and it includes two dozen engaging testimonials from community members describing their own personal silver linings during the pandemic.
The annual report also provides detailed information about the Foundation’s financials and is a comprehensive resource for learning about the many philanthropic programs, tools and services the Foundation offers to givers of all ages and stages of life.
Many of the contributed silver linings focused on the joys of greater connection with beloved family members.
“When the pandemic hit, I started calling my 84-year-old aunt in Austin, Texas once a week,” Martha Gershun shared in the report. “This hour-long ritual has become extremely important to both of us, as we share current news and stories about her childhood in Marfa, Texas and mine in Southern California. We have both agreed we will continue even after the pandemic is over!”
Kurt Kavanaugh also found a silver lining in spending time with his family, in person and virtually. “We’ve had a bonus year with our daughter, who took a semester off from college. Our nephew was born on March 24th and we’ve enjoyed ‘meeting’ him and watching him grow via Facebook Portal,” he said.
Technology was a common silver lining that helped people keep in touch and also allowed them to mobilize their philanthropy.
“Through quick action, the J-LEAD program [the Foundation’s young adult giving circle] pivoted to a virtual format this year,” said Kris Zeid. “We maximized the impact of our contributions by supporting organizations that had critical needs during the pandemic. While our members were not able to meet in person, we were able to adapt during these unprecedented times and fulfill the mission of our great program and the mitzvah of tzedakah.”
Through fund and donor listings, the annual report recognizes the thousands of generous givers with whom the Foundation is fortunate to work.
From the B’nai Tzedek program which introduces teens to philanthropy, to Donor Advised Funds which are personal charitable giving accounts, to planned gifts which help ensure the bright future of our community, the Foundation is an active partner in impactful charitable giving.
In 2020, Foundation funds distributed more than $28 million to 1,181 nonprofits. Nearly $21 million of that was designated for local Jewish communal organizations. Approximately $1 million went to organizations directly providing pandemic relief.
Community members may now view the annual report online through the Foundation’s website, jcfkc.org. For more information about the Jewish Community Foundation or to request a printed copy of the annual report, please contact Josh Stein at (913) 327-8121 or .
