While the majority of Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) fundholders live and give in Kansas City, JCF also serves a growing contingent of fundholders across the country.
For many fundholders who were born in Kansas City but have since moved away, the JCF is a form of connection to their hometown. Maintaining or opening donor advised funds (DAFs) at JCF ensures that they remain linked to the Kansas City Jewish community and are able to support their favorite organizations in Kansas City and across the country. DAFs are charitable giving accounts intended to streamline giving, maximize philanthropic impact and offer significant tax advantages.
Many find that giving through JCF helps establish or continue a legacy of giving that honors Kansas City's values of kindness and generosity.
"We have had a donor advised fund at the Foundation for many years, even though we no longer live in Kansas City,” said Cynthia Gensheimer of Denver, Colorado. “Because of outstanding investment returns, terrific staff and wonderful customer service, we would never consider moving our fund elsewhere."
A number of JCF fundholders have no prior connection to Kansas City. JCF says that these fundholders are drawn there because of its reputation for excellent service and charitable giving expertise, and that many appreciate that its fees are reinvested into the local community. Unlike many large corporate DAF providers, JCF's administrative fees are used to help support programs that engage and educate the next generation of givers. This, along with JCF’s creative and personalized strategic solutions, has positioned it as the preferred choice for those seeking a reliable and responsive philanthropic partner, according to JCF.
"While I haven’t lived in Kansas City for many years, it will always be my hometown,” said Dana Bettinger of Seattle, Washington. “When I decided to establish a donor advised fund, it was easy to choose the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City. In addition to serving as an ongoing connection to the city, the fund is substantial, well-managed and highly respected. My DAF experience also maintains my connection to Kansas City’s Jewish community. As a donor, fees are minimal; the online interface makes it easy to make new and recurring grant recommendations; and the staff is easily accessible when I have questions.”
More information about JCF DAFs is available by contacting Suzanne Galblum Dicken at or (913) 327-8286.
