Types of Funds – Donor Advised Funds & Charitable Giving | JCF Montreal
When people give, they want it to matter. Not just today, but years from now. That’s where JCF Montreal comes in. They offer practical, smart ways to structure your giving—so you can support the causes you care about while making the most of your resources. Let’s break it down.
Donor Advised Funds
A donor advised fund works a bit like a giving account. You contribute money or assets, get the tax benefit right away, and then take your time deciding where it goes. You can make grants to different charities over time, without needing to rush or fill out piles of forms each time. JCF makes this process simple. You can donate cash, stocks, mutual funds—whatever makes sense for you. There’s no setup cost. You get one clear tax receipt. You can manage everything online, or just call someone and say, “Send X to Y.” Done. Here’s the thing: donor advised funds aren’t just convenient—they’re powerful. They grow tax-free, so your gift can go further. You can stay anonymous if you want. You can bring your kids into the conversation and name them as successor advisors. That’s how values get passed on, not just dollars. And if you're looking specifically for a Jewish donor advised fund, JCF is one of the few places in Canada where your giving can reflect your heritage, your priorities, and your vision for the future.
Endowment Funds
Endowment funds are about the long game. You set up a fund, and each year, a portion—usually around 5%—is distributed to charity. The rest stays invested, so the fund keeps giving long after you're gone. There are a few ways to do this: ● Designated Funds: You pick the charity. They get support year after year. ● Undesignated Funds: You let JCF direct the money based on what the community needs most. ● Scholarship Funds: These support students—often created in honor or memory of someone important to you. ● B’nai Tzedek Funds: Designed for teens, with a matching gift from JCF to get them started. It teaches them how to give with purpose.
What this really means is: if you want your charitable donations to keep working long after you stop writing the checks, this is how you do it.
Why This Matters
You don’t have to be ultra-wealthy to make a lasting impact. You just need the right tools. Whether you're giving now, planning for the future, or teaching your kids how to be thoughtful with money, JCF Montreal gives you options that actually make sense. They also understand the community. They know the nonprofits in Montreal that are doing real work. They’ve helped hundreds of donors structure their giving through donor advised funds and endowments that reflect both values and strategy.
Start Where You Are If you’re thinking about how to make your giving more intentional—or more impactful—this is a good place to start: No pressure. Just good information and people who know what they’re doing.
