When you hear the word “philanthropist,” your mind may go directly to some of the most recognizable names in philanthropy like Bill and Melinda Gates, and others whose gifts make national and international headlines.

Many people have philanthropy in their heart. Throughout their lives, these people make sure to give back and support organizations that are important to them, whether it is synagogues, hospitals or food banks. But how can someone continue to give even after they die?

Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland provides vital support to those in need in Cleveland and around the world. Consider these tips to make your philanthropy even more effective before year-end:

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced today that Shoshana Dessler Jacobs is the 2021 recipient of the Irene Zehman Volunteer Award. Each year, the Federation recognizes an unsung Jewish woman or group of women who demonstrate the highest ideals and practices of volunteer service on behalf of the Jewish and/or general community. Jacobs, who is the co-founder and executive director of Israel Medical Fund, a nonprofit supporting medical initiatives in Israel, will be honored at the Federation’s Gathering for Good event on December 1.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland was selected to participate in the 2021 LIFE & LEGACY initiative, a national Jewish legacy giving program run by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland's Saltzman Youth Panel program educates Jewish Cleveland students about the philanthropic process. The panelists, made up of high school juniors and seniors, work together to understand various community needs and then make a formal recommendation to the Federation’s Board of Trustees on how to distribute up to $50,000 in grant funding. Through this program, participants develop their leadership and group consensus building skills as they learn about the community decision-making and most importantly, tzedakah.

Communicating with family during the estate planning process can help mitigate any issues and make it easier for important decisions to be made.

Creating an estate plan – or updating one – is probably on your to do list. And, if you are like so many others, it has probably been on the list for a while now.