Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation
Cathrine Fischer Schwartz, CFRE Securing The Jewish Future
As chief legacy officer of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation (JJCF), Cathrine Fischer Schwartz, CFRE, ensures that donations come in for today’s needs while also building resources for the future.
To accomplish this, Fischer Schwartz spent the last five years assembling and working with a team of professionals and volunteers who have helped grow the foundation’s current assets as well as future commitments by creating a community culture of planned giving. The results speak for themselves as, during that time, the foundation assets have grown by one-third to reach $100 million.
“Without our team of staff, volunteer leadership and Professional Advisory Committee members, none of this would have been possible,” says Fischer Schwartz. “Having the right people in the right roles – as well as having committed expert volunteers – is key.”
Fischer Schwartz also is proud of JJCF’s Create a Jewish Legacy program. In collaboration with nine other local Jewish agencies, schools and synagogues and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ initiative, JJCF has the most successful program in the nation, having secured $80 million in legacy commitments.
With 30 years of nonprofit experience, Fischer Schwartz knows the importance of cultivating the next generation of donors.
“Many of today’s most loyal and generous supporters are passing on, and they are difficult to replace,” she says. “Our challenge is to help younger donors understand that planning a legacy is something they can do today without affecting their lifestyle.”
She adds: “As part of our Jewish Federation, the JJCF has unparalleled knowledge of local and global Jewish needs. Combined with our financial expertise, we are uniquely positioned to guide donors and create personalized Jewish legacy gift plans.”
In addition to supporting the Federation in caring for the vulnerable, addressing anti-Semitism and providing Jewish education, JJCF has taken up newer initiatives such as Jewish summer-camp scholarships and endowing the PJ Library® Jewish engagement and literacy program.
Fischer Schwartz’s message to the community is that anyone can be a philanthropist.
“When you create a culture of giving, it becomes automatic,” she says. “Leaving a legacy ensures that your values and generosity live on.”
The Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is located at 9901 Donna Klein Blvd., Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-852-5020 or visit jjcf.planningyourlegacy.org.
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