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A Family Supporting Foundation is a separate charitable corporation or trust that is organized and operated to support the broad purposes of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. It combines the characteristics of a private family foundation with the tax benefits of giving to a public charity.

At-a-glance:

• Provides tax benefits not available with private foundations
  
• Can be created with a minimum gift of $100,000.00
  
• Allows you to recommend support for causes and organizations of specific interest to you
  
• Involves younger generations in philanthropy
  
• Avoids administrative burdens inherent in private foundations

Involve your family in philanthropy. Make a lasting gift that endures for generations.

A Family Supporting Foundation at the Lehigh Valley JEWISH FOUNDATION is a unique vehicle for you to involve your family in the covenant of philanthropy, with a minimum contribution of $100,000.00. It functions very much like a private family foundation, but because it is aligned with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, you receive additional tax considerations that would not be available with a private foundation.

You have the option of contributing cash, appreciated assets, or non-readily marketable assets to establish a Family Supporting Foundation. No capital gains taxes are incurred when gifts of appreciated assets are made and they are deductible at their full fair market value.

Unlike private foundations, there is no excise tax on net investment income. Family Supporting Foundations are not subject to the restrictions on investments and minimum distribution requirements of private foundations.

The Lehigh Valley JEWISH FOUNDATION staff serves as a resource to each Family Supporting Foundation in the comprehensive management of its philanthropic activities. Each Family Supporting Foundation is separately incorporated with its own board of trustees made up of individuals whom you select, as well as a majority of trustees selected by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. A Family Supporting Foundation may exist in perpetuity, providing a significant means of involving your family in Jewish philanthropy for generations.

Your Family Supporting Foundation will have access to the Lehigh Valley JEWISH FOUNDATION's research on community needs, as well as its assistance in developing grant guidelines and selecting grant recipients. The Lehigh Valley JEWISH FOUNDATION will provide professional staff to help you and your foundation board review grant proposals, prepare all necessary Federal and State tax and legal filings and will assist with general administration of your foundation.

Grants may be made, based on trustee approval, to an agency or program that fits within the broad purposes of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, both domestically and overseas.