Endowment

Bruce Harris, Chair
endowment@sholomnj.org

"The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."    – Nelson Henderson

After more than a century following our founding in Plainfield, Temple Sholom’s Endowment Fund was formed in 2016. What is an endowment? Simply put, an endowment is a portfolio of assets donated to a non-profit institution (Temple Sholom) to aid in its support. Over the long term, endowments provide a financial cushion to support the institution through changing times; with this added stability comes a greater degree of independence and enhanced ability to achieve short- and long-term goals.

The good news is you can contribute now to Temple Sholom’s Endowment Fund. There is no minimum amount. After $500 accumulates in the fund, the fund’s balance is transferred to one or more managed mutual funds (currently held by The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer (JCFGM). 

Please see our donation page for donating to the Endowment and other Temple Sholom Funds.

Marty and Judy Schwartz will graciously contribute an additional $180 for every signed pledge card received through May 1, 2022. Help ensure the financial stability of our historic and cherished Temple. Contact Bruce Harris for further information. Bruce can be reached at marxman@comcast.net or 908-347-2206.

Growing an endowment fund is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes long-range planning, such as including a charitable bequest in your will designating Temple Sholom as a beneficiary. Other contribution methods include, but are not limited to, donating stock, creating a charitable annuity, donating a life insurance policy or IRA assets. Your financial advisor and tax expert can provide tax benefit details and guidance.

We must ensure Temple Sholom thrives for another hundred years and beyond. We owe it to our children, their children, and so on. It’s up to us! Did you know nearly 75% of Americans make gifts to charities during their lifetime, yet fewer than 10% make a bequest or other legacy gift at their death? Why are individuals so generous during their life but do not make provisions in their will for charities? The simple answer is that most of those individuals have never been asked. We are asking.

Remember, a long-term donation supporting Temple Sholom’s Endowment is not just a donation…it’s your legacy.

The Temple Sholom Endowment Committee meets annually. We are always looking for volunteers to join us.  If you are interested in joining or want more information please email endowment@sholomnj.org.