Support the SJCC

Thousands of people in Schenectady, Saratoga and Albany Counties rely on the JCC to provide them with wellness, cultural, educational, diversity, and recreational programs each day. The JCC plays a vital role in our community and in our lives, including yours. 

Many people do not realize that income from membership dues is not enough to support the excellent programming we enjoy, to enhance and maintain the building we love, and to serve the community that includes families and individuals who need scholarship assistance to participate in our programs. Your support at any level helps us to continue to provide the exciting programs, events and services you have come to expect from the JCC.

I want to support the JCC by:

• Making a one-time gift to support the mission
• Making a large gift over three years and receive prominent recognition for it
• Honoring someone special
• Leaving a legacy to ensure the future of the JCC
• Contributing to an endowment fund
• Making a gift that my company/employer will match
• Supporting an event

For more information on giving opportunities at the JCC, contact Interim Executive Director Andy Katz at (518) 377-8803 or andrewk@schenectadyjcc.org

Giving Opportunities

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: JUSTICE ~ COMPASSION ~ COMMUNITY 

Members and non-members, corporations and individuals, support JCC programs and services through direct annual giving that funds early childhood care and education, Jewish culture, education, and wellness programs.

The Schenectady JCC depends on the generous support of our members and the community to offer important services to everyone. After over 90 years of making a difference, the Schenectady JCC continues to change lives and enhance the quality of life in the area. Keep in mind the following reasons to be generous when supporting the JCC:

• We Share Traditions - Each year we reach thousands of children and adults through our events highlighting Jewish history and culture through the medium of film, music or art.
• We Provide Access to All - The JCC welcomes everyone, regardless of physical and mental ability, and regardless of ability to pay. Our JCC created the “Reelabiliites” task force; a coalition of nonprofit partners to spread awareness about people with disabilities through art and sports.  Many of our members are provided with financial assistance from the JCC to ensure access to health and fitness facilities.

Donors for the Annual Campaign will be recognized in our marketing materials regardless of the size of the gift.

TRIBUTE GIFTS

Honor someone special, a special occasion, or the memory of a loved one or friend by making a donation to the Schenectady JCC in their name. These donations can be made to the Annual Campaign or any JCC program area.

MAKING A COMMITMENT TO THE JCC’S FUTURE

Since 1921, the Schenectady JCC has touched the lives of many thousands of people with its mission-driven programs. We urge you to envision a place where generation after generation will come together to remember our rich history, to change lives, and to enhance the quality of life in the area; where bright futures will always be cherished and nourished. Envision the enduring presence of a vibrant JCC. Let us show you how you can make a difference. Make a commitment to keeping the doors of the JCC open for future generations.

There are ways to support the Schenectady JCC that don't affect your current lifestyle or your family's security.

Leaving a LIFE & LEGACY™ Gift to the Schenectady JCC

Current gifts of cash are vital to our success, but donors also can support the JCC by making a planned gift - leaving a legacy. Legacy giving, planned with the assistance of a qualified professional advisor, can provide immediate benefits - tax savings and additional income - and will give you the satisfaction of knowing that your personal philanthropic goals will be met, and that you are helping ensure that the JCC will maintain its place in our community for years and years. You can make a gift that costs you nothing during your lifetime. You can also make a gift that leaves your cash flow and current financial planning unchanged.

LIFE & LEGACY™ is a 4-year partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) that assists communities across North America, through partnership with Jewish Federations and Foundations, to promote after-lifetime giving to benefit local Jewish day schools, synagogues, social service organizations and other Jewish entities. Through training, support and monetary incentives LIFE & LEGACY™ motivates Jewish organizations to secure legacy gifts, steward donors and integrate legacy giving into the philanthropic culture of the Jewish community in order to ensure vibrant Jewish life for future generations.

Gifts Anyone Can Afford:

• Bequests: Gifts from your will or trust. Bequests are ideal for donors who wish to make a contribution without diminishing available assets during their lifetime. You can designate a specific sum of money or a percentage of your estate's value, or identify an asset to be transferred.
• Beneficiary Designations: Gifts from your retirement plan or life insurance policy. Assets in a qualified retirement plan such as an IRA, a 401(k), a Keogh, or a life insurance policy are typically included as part of a taxable estate. To minimize income and estate taxes you can select the JCC as the beneficiary of these retirement assets.
• Income for Life Gifts: Gifts from annuities or trusts. Income for Life Gifts include Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Remainder Trusts. These vehicles allow you to generate income to enhance your lifestyle and create a legacy for the community. You contribute cash or securities to a fund or trust, decide who will receive income from it (yourself, a family member or friend), and make decisions about the income distribution process. When the income period ends, the funds flow to the designated charitable beneficiary.
• Appreciated Assets: Gifts of stock. Your gift of appreciated stock that has been held for more than one year will benefit the JCC and may save you capital gains taxes and provide a variety of other tax benefits. Please consult your tax advisor to find out how a charitable donation of stock can help you reach your personal financial goals. More gift planning vehicles are available to help you meet your legacy goals. We encourage you to contact a financial advisor or your attorney to further explore these options.

The Schenectady Jewish Community Center (SJCC) is a vibrant, welcoming, and safe place, exemplifying tolerance and inclusion. We are the cornerstone of life in Schenectady County and throughout the Capital Region. Jewish values and heritage form the foundation for all we do. We foster friendships, promote wellness and create a social center for individuals of all ages. We are a place to socialize, enjoy friendly, familiar faces, build lifelong relationships and create enduring family memories. We offer opportunities for creativity, physical well-being, and growth. We build understanding, appreciation and Jewish identity through our cultural events and holiday celebrations. Our legacy donors are generously spirited and community-minded individuals, just like you, who come from all walks of life, are committed to preserving Jewish life and are proud of the impact the SJCC has on its members and the community. Please join us and become part of our legacy!

For more information on the LIFE & LEGACY™ program, please contact Interim Executive Director Andy Katz at (518) 377-8803 or andrewk@schenectadyjcc.org

THANK YOU to our LIFE & LEGACY™ Donors:

Rabbi Matt & Sharon Cutler

Marvin Garfinkel Z"L

Jack & Vicki Gold

David & Andrea Golub

Alex Hallenstein

Aviva Hallenstein

Andrew Katz

Kathy Levy

Michelle Ostrelich & Howard Schlossberg

Sonia Rubenstein

Barbara & Jeff Walton

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

What is an Endowment Fund?

An endowment fund is a permanent fund that has earnings to benefit a charity. An endowment fund is designed to function in perpetuity, making it possible to provide financial support over the long-term. Annual distributions are made based on a spending rate set by the JCC’s Board of Directors and governed by NY state law.

The Schenectady JCC has established the “Chai Society for the Future” endowment recognition society which provides honor and leadership recognition to those individuals who make a minimum gift or a commitment of $36,000 to the SJCC endowment fund.

For more information contact Interim Executive Director Andy Katz at (518) 377-8803 or andrewk@schenectadyjcc.org

CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS

Many businesses will match their employees' charitable contributions through special matching gifts programs administering through their human resource departments. With a Corporate Matching Gift, you can double and sometimes triple, the size of your contribution.

EVENT SUPPORT & SPONSORSHIPS

Do you want to...

• Drive traffic to your business?
• Reach a large audience of sophisticated community individuals?
• Help support the community?

The JCC will work with you to create an exciting sponsorship package. Connect your corporate vision with the JCC and make a difference in the community. Events include: Robert J Ludwig Community Service Awards Gala, Jewish Film Festival, Golf & Tennis Event and more.

Individuals can also contribute to events as patron sponsors and receive recognition for making a difference in the community.

DONATE NOW

For more information on giving opportunities at the JCC, contact Interim Executive Director Andy Katz at (518) 377-8803 or andrewk@schenectadyjcc.org