An outright, unrestricted gift to the Foundation of cash or appreciated assets supports the ongoing operating expenses of the Foundation and allows us to keep abreast of community needs. Gifts can be made in honor of a loved one or in memorial.

Gifts in honor A gift can made in honor of someone is a living testimonial that keeps on giving. It can be made in honor of a person who has made significant contributions, achieved a special milestone or for the person who has "everything." Such a gift is appreciated by the honoree both by the honoree - and makes a tremendous difference to the Foundation.

Gifts in memory A gift made in memory of a person who has passed away is a special way to honor a loved one or respected colleague. Such a gift creates a legacy and memorializes the person by providing direct assistance to the Foundation.

Making the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer the beneficiary of an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Qualified Pension Plan is a wonderful way to leave a legacy.

By arranging now to give your pension plan assets or IRAs to fund charity, you can reduce your federal and state death tax and help your beneficiaries avoid federal and state income tax.

A relatively inexpensive way to leave a generous endowment is to name the Foundation as the owner and beneficiary (or contingent beneficiary) of a fully funded life insurance policy.

If the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer is named as owner and beneficiary of a current policy, and you continue to pay the premiums -- you can claim income tax deductions for those premiums.