Endowment Fund

What Is an Endowment Fund?

An endowment gift to the Chabad Education Foundation (CEF) is an investment in both today and the future. Endowment donations are invested to provide ongoing support: each year, a portion of the investment income is used to meet current needs across the Chabad education network, while the remaining funds are reinvested to ensure lasting impact for generations to come.

CEF’s professional staff, board, and volunteers dedicate significant time and expertise to identifying and addressing the most critical needs within the network. As a result, every endowment gift is carefully stewarded and makes a meaningful, long-term impact.

By giving through CEF, donors benefit from thoughtful planning, research, and oversight—ensuring their philanthropic dollars are used responsibly and effectively.

Types of Endowment Funds

 

Endowment for a Specific Purpose

An endowment for a specific purpose allows you to support an area you care about most—such as special education, teacher training, or tuition assistance—in perpetuity. A minimum gift of $10,000 establishes a named endowment, which may be funded during your lifetime and/or through a bequest in your will or via other estate planning tools.

 

Annual Campaign Endowment

An Annual Campaign Endowment allows you to endow your yearly campaign gift. To estimate the amount needed, multiply your current annual contribution by 20. You may also choose to endow a portion of your annual gift and build the fund over time through additional contributions.

How Endowments May Be Funded

Endowment funds may be established using a wide range of assets, including:

  • Cash
  • Stocks, bonds, or other securities
  • Real estate or other property
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD)
  • Privately Held Assets
  • Bequests through a will or estate plan
  • Crypto Currency
  • Beneficiary designations (such as life insurance policies or IRAs)
  • Charitable remainder trusts or charitable gift annuities (with the remainder designated to create an Annual Campaign Endowment or named endowment fund)

Gifts of appreciated assets held for at least one year may provide additional tax advantages by avoiding capital gains tax.

Benefits of an Endowment Fund

  • Creates a lasting legacy by supporting Jewish education in perpetuity
  • Provides reliable annual funding while preserving principal for the future
  • Offers flexibility in how and when the fund is established
  • May provide significant tax benefits during your lifetime or through your estate
  • Ensures your commitment to Tzedakah continues year after year
  • Recognizes your legacy through inclusion in the CEF Legacy Society

An endowment is not a replacement for your annual gift. Rather, it is a powerful way to ensure that your annual support continues forever—on your behalf.

Contact Juliana Sellers to discuss your endowment fund Click here