Your Legacy, Designed to Last Forever
Endowments
Endowed gifts are a powerful blend of permanence and personal meaning. When you create an endowment through the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, your gift supports the Jewish community for generations to come — in the ways that matter most to you.
Why Endowments Matter
An endowed gift is more than a donation—it’s a declaration of support for the future. It says you want to insure the strength of the Jewish community, not just today, but for every tomorrow.
When you establish an endowment through the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, a portion of the earnings is used to support the causes you care about, while the principal remains intact—ensuring your impact continues in perpetuity.
Your endowment becomes part of something greater: a shared commitment to Jewish continuity, community resilience, and the values that have guided generations. Endowments can support the community needs, programs and organization YOU care about fully customizable to your philanthropic interests.
Types of Endowments
Endowments are often invested in a diversified portfolio that can include public equities (stocks), fixed donations, and alternative investments to achieve long-term growth and income. Every individual gift is unique, and we work personally with our donors and their financial advisors to accommodate a plan that fits your special bequests.
Annual Campaign Endowment
Support the Jewish Federation of St. Louis Annual Campaign each year in perpetuity through an Annual Campaign Endowment. This endowment starts at $25,000.
Lion of Judah Endowment
This permanent annual campaign endowment, starting at $125,000, allows a Lion of Judah donor perpetuate her Lion gift forver, becoming known as a Forever Lion.
Named Designated Fund Endowment
You can create an endowment to always support your favoriate community organization, programs, needs, or to create scholarships. Customize your own endowment starting at $25,000.
My wife Julie and I decided to set up our own endowment at Federation. We know Federation has the infrastructure in place to manage and distribute those dollars when the time comes, and it is a bonus that whatever fees are generated from the endowment go to support this infrastructure for our community. I encourage everyone to think about their own legacy and how they can help sustain our community’s incredibly important organizations for years to come.
Tim Stern
Comparing Your Options
How is an Endowment Different?
An endowment is unique in its permanence and purpose. While there are many ways to plan your legacy, an endowment has the power to span generations. If it is not time for you to consider an endowment, these consider a Bequest or starting a DAF.
Bequest
A bequest is a future gift made through your will or estate. It’s often a one-time transfer of funds to a cause you care about.
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
A donor advised fund (DAF) is a flexible giving account. You contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants over time — often with involvement from family members.
Endowments
An endowment is designed to last forever. Your gift is invested, and only a portion of the earnings is distributed annually — creating a reliable, ongoing source of support for the community. It’s a powerful way to make your values live on.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts
Whether you’re ready to create an endowment or simply exploring your options, we’re here to help you shape a gift that reflects your values and strengthens Jewish life for generations to come.
