By deciding to leave a bequest from your will of a specific amount of cash, a percentage of your estate or the remainder of your estate, you can create a permanent legacy that can help Jews in need forever. There's no limit on the amount you may set aside from your estate -- you make a gift as large or small as you'd like. You may choose to make a gift of cash, securities or other property -- and your estate will receive a tax deduction in the amount of your charitable bequest.

Bequests are more important now than ever before

Throughout the past century, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago has worked with our donors to build a strong and vibrant Jewish community. Now you can extend your philanthropy to benefit future generations by including a bequest to the Jewish Federation in your will or estate plan. All bequest are recognized through the Centennial Campaign, which celebrates our commitment to the community

A Legacy Fund gift to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is the best source of funds to meet future emergencies at home and abroad.

Read about some of the remarkable individuals who have left the posthumous mark of their compassion upon our community through a recent bequest to the Jewish Federation or Jewish United Fund.

Writing a Bequest

It is easy to make a charitable bequest through a provision in one's will or trust. There are several designations one can make to benefit the Jewish Federation, its affiliates, agencies or beneficiaries. You may leave a bequest of a specific cash amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate.

To establish a Legacy Fund gift for future emergency needs:
I give $___________(or specified property) or _____% of the residue of my estate to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago as an unrestricted gift.

To establish an outright bequest to the Jewish United Fund Annual Campaign:
I give $___________(or specified property) or _____% of the residue of my estate to the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago as an unrestricted gift.

To establish a JUF Annual Campaign Continuity Fund:
I give $__________ (or specified property) or _____% of the residue of my estate to the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago as a Campaign Continuity Fund, the income there-from to be distributed solely on an annual basis to the Jewish United Fund Annual Campaign.

To establish a Lion of Judah Endowment:
I give $___________ (or specified property) or _____% of the residue of my estate to the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago as a Lion of Judah Endowment gift, the income there-from to be distributed solely on an annual basis to the Women's Division of the Jewish United Fund Annual Campaign. (Gift must be at least $100,000)

To establish an endowment to benefit a specific Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago agency or area of interest:
I give $___________(or specified property) or _____% of the residue of my estate to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, to be held for the benefit of ____________ (name of agency or description of a special field of interest).