Innovation In Philanthropy:
New Ideas For Every Age ~ Alexander E. Holstein

Did you know that the Jewish Community Foundation of CNY is the youngest, most recently established community foundation among all Jewish communities in the United States? Although the Jewish Community Foundation of CNY was established only six years ago, it has already demonstrated success while retaining its flexible policy to respond quickly and effectively to donor needs and wishes. This doesn’t mean that the Foundation is ready to sit back on its laurels and “smell the roses,” totally satisfied and complacent. Instead, the Foundation continually looks for innovative ideas in philanthropy to match the needs of donors of all ages.

Innovation in philanthropy is a key of keeping pace with younger Jews, some of whom practice their Jewishness differently than the generations before them. A recent study sponsored by the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies showed “a fundamental shift in the ethos of young American Jewry.”

While retaining support for traditional institutions, they are shifting towards smaller, more innovative, and more personalized communal structures. These young people, up to age 35, want change, diversity, and growth.

The Jewish Community Foundation of CNY takes into account as it tries to keep up with the needs and desires of donors of all ages and stages in life. Our Donor Advised Funds allow donors to allocate their funds to their chosen charities.

The ability to adapt the funds to reflect donor wishes continues to be a priority of the Foundation.