B’nai Mitzvah Funds: The B’nai Mitzvah Fund Program involves our upcoming generation in the joy of tzedakah with a fund that encourages charitable giving. It is designed to teach Jewish teens about the world of philanthropy and social action through hands-on involvement. The benefits for this program are enormous. As a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, teens will have a chance to learn at an early age to become involved in the important work of our community.

Here’s how it works:

1. At the time of a teen’s Bar/Bat-Mitzvah, they contribute a minimum of $250 to a donor advised fund in the teen’s name at the Jewish Community Foundation of CNY. A donor advised fund is a fund in which the donor “advises” where the money should be distributed. Choice include any legitimate Jewish or non-Jewish not-for-profit organization. Contributions can come from presents, prior savings, earnings or anywhere else.

2. All B’nai Mitzvah Fund contributions will be matched with $250 from the Sam Pomeranz Trust, making each B’nai Mitzvah Fund total at least $500.

3. The fund would be named the First & Last Name B’nai Mitzvah Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of CNY, and the teen would have the honor and responsibility of determining which charities would receive the money each year.

How much can be used for Tzedakah?
Distributions from the Fund can be made immediately after the establishment of the Fund and continue for the next five years. They can “advise” as much as they wish be sent to multiple charities (minimum donation of $25). They can add money to their Fund at any time, in any amount they wish. They also can invite others to contribute for special occasions, like a great report card, a birthday or graduation…and, as with all contributions, these gifts are tax deductible.

Not sure which charities you want to support?
The teens can support worthy causes that interest them, both Jewish and non-Jewish, local or out of town. We can be a source of guidance if they wish. All they need to do is decide which charities they want to support. We do all the work. We will send a check to the selected organization informing them that a gift has been made from The Teen’s Fund. Each fund holder will have the opportunity to do this throughout the year. They will also receive an annual Fund statement listing the donations and charitable contributions made that year.

Too easy? Too good to be true? So, what's the point?
The point is to encourage the habit of giving. These teens have already learned about it at home, in their synagogue, or Hebrew School. This experience will help make it become a life-long habit – both an honor and a responsibility.  "Giving" is a healthy habit with only positive side effects - it allows youngsters to stay in touch with their religious heritage, helps them develop a social consciousness, and enables them to feel good by giving back to the community.

All B’nai Mitzvah Fund holders are required to attend the “Teen Philanthropy Through a Jewish Lens” session to learn more about the experiences of being a fund holder.