What inspired you to open a donor-advised fund at JEWISHcolorado? How has having a DAF shaped your approach to charitable giving?
Candidly, a DAF just has great utility for financial strategy. It allows you to give when and how it makes most sense from a tax advantage standpoint. We have contributed to our DAF in larger volume during good years and less or none when the tax write-off is not as valuable to us. Additionally, there are times where we have had meaningful short term capital gains on certain public securities that we have wanted to sell, and we transfer them into the DAF on a tax-free basis. Our giving strategy is totally divorced from the timing of our contributions and any time-based financial considerations. Lastly, I love that ALL of our gifts, especially those that go to non-Jewish affiliated charities come from “Jewish Colorado.”
Are there particular causes or organizations within the Jewish and secular community that are especially meaningful to you? Why?
Fighting antisemitism is currently priority #1. Unfortunately, this has become a necessity, so we have had to reprioritize our gift allocations, and we have had to be thoughtful about what actually works. We have found ourselves thinking a lot more strategically about what can actually impact the growing antisemitic sentiment in this country and abroad. Supporting Israel both in the US and directly has to be part of that equation.
Additionally, we have always been focused on leveling the playing field for the youth in this country. We don’t look to give out handouts, but rather to subsidize the academic tools that motivated underprivileged kids can’t afford.
Lastly, both of us went to the University of Michigan and we are very actively involved in development there and working on leveraging our development dollars to create unique programming through the Ross School of Business.
Can you share a story of a gift you made through your DAF that was particularly meaningful to you?
We are currently giving to two unrelated organizations that we have since connected and we are extremely excited to see how they can work together.
Org 1: Drone delivery aid directly into the hands of Gazan civilians from a 20 ft drop
Org 2: Fighting antisemitism on social media, leveraging unique voices outside of the pro-Israel echo chamber
The head of the drone delivery organization is not Jewish, is celebrated ex-military and has a deep understanding of Hamas’ corruptive practices that require this unique direct delivery of aid. He would like to get as much attention to this mission as possible. The second organization is best in class at amplifying a message like this and is focused on unique voices (like this) outside of the pro-Israel community.
We will continue to increase our contribution to both as they successfully execute.
Jewish tradition emphasizes tzedakah (charitable giving) and l’dor v’dor (passing values from generation to generation). Is there someone in your family—past or present—who has inspired your approach to philanthropy? Are there any stories or values that have been passed down?
We are extremely fortunate to have come from two families that placed a high priority on giving and working on making the world a better place. Not only through their words but very much through their actions. Being now old enough to actually quantify the magnitude of their giving, we are both shocked at the degree of selflessness each of our families lived by. They truly put others before themselves.
What advice would you give to other families looking to create a legacy of giving and instill the values of tzedakah in their children?
Very few things in life are as valuable as a sense of gratitude. Selfishly, giving gives you gratitude for what you have and what you have done in life. We truly believe that the more you give, the more you get. Giving of yourself must be part of being a good person. Rather than giving advice, I would ask the question: what impact are you going to make in your life?