For Donors

Talia Freedman

Talia Freedman grew up immersed in the Jewish community of Lower Manhattan. From going to Hebrew Day School, summer camp and attending services, Jewish living was just a part of life for Freedman.

After moving to Albuquerque, Freedman began volunteering for the Jewish Community Center and in turn discovered the grounding and connection she felt in the Jewish community of her youth. Freedman found comfort in the relationships she made through the JCC, particularly with Jewish Elders. For Freedman, reaching out and caring for our Elders is extremely important, which is exactly what the Jewish Care Program does.

To her, continuing all people's cultures and history is important, and several Jewish organizations in New Mexico make that possible. In turn, Freedman also supports the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society, the Holocaust Museum of New Mexico, and the Jewish Care Program.

Aviva Maxon, JCF NM summer intern, interviewed Talia and worked with her to create this donor spotlight.

Susan Jo Keller

Susan Jo Keller's path to Judaism, to Santa Fe and to LIFE & LEGACY runs straight through the three children who became part of her life when she met and married her husband, John Wheeler, almost 30 years ago. Keller grew up in Huntington Indiana before going to Indiana University to study Journalism. After graduating, Keller worked for The Courier-Journal in Louisville before going to the New York Times. During this time, Keller met and married her husband and gained three stepchildren. The kids' mother became more religious and so Keller started learning how to keep a kosher and Shomer Shabbat home. She was particularly struck by the teachings about the separation between the holy and unholy in how we eat. Then when her stepson, Simm, had his Bar Mitzvah, Keller was surprised by how she felt she had come home during the service and knew Judaism was for her. Keller then spent the next two years learning and studying for her conversion.

Keller and her husband moved to Lamy New Mexico in December 2019 to be near the family of their daughter Emma and their three young grandsons. Immediately, Keller was drawn to the small intimate community of HaMakom in Santa Fe. Keller became a regular at services and in the HaMakom Book Club. Once the pandemic hit, HaMakom became a great source of sustenance for Keller. The regular virtual meetings and spiritual connection was essential for Keller. In the beginning of 2021 Keller was asked to join HaMakom's board, where she continues to serve. Keller appreciates the seriousness of study, and the wide range of teachers and perspectives at HaMakom, which is why she is leaving a Legacy gift to HaMakom.

The Jewish principle L'Dor Va'Dor, from Generation to Generation, is extremely important to Keller, and she interprets it broadly. Keller feels that it is our duty to ensure Jewish Futures and to teach everyone. Susan also took advantage of another giving opportunity offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, setting up a donor-advised fund to support non-Jewish causes including the Fistula Foundation and the Santa Fe Food Depot.

Aviva Maxon, JCF NM summer intern, interviewed Jeff & Diana, and worked with them to create this donor spotlight.

Jeff & Diana Paul

Being Jewish and having a Jewish community has always been important to Jeff and Diana Paul. The couple joined Temple Albert in 1991 after their daughter was born. Since then they have been active members, board members, and have been very involved with the Sisterhood and Brotherhood. Temple Albert gave them a Jewish place to raise their daughter, where she could have Jewish friends and a Jewish education. The Pauls are regulars at Cafe Shabbat and other services every month (in person or "virtual").

Jeff and Diana are leaving an after-lifetime gift to Temple Albert's endowment because they understand how important having a Jewish community and religious community have been to their family. As Jeff said, "one of the best ways to keep Jewish history and culture alive is to keep synagogues and congregations alive." The Pauls were excited to participate as LIFE & LEGACY donors because it's a program anyone can participate in; it doesn't matter how much you give, it matters that you are involved.

Jeff retired as the Director of Recreation Therapy at the VA Medical Center in 2007. Diana is an "almost" retired professional bookkeeper.

Aviva Maxon, JCF NM summer intern, interviewed Jeff & Diana, and worked with them to create this donor spotlight.

Martin, z"l, & Ruth Shore Mondlick

Ruth Shore Mondlick grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island. Although her family was not very involved in the temple, they did have a strong connection to the Jewish community. After Mondlick married her late husband, Martin, they became active at their Rhode Island congregation.

Since moving to Albuquerque in 1964, Mondlick has been an active member and participant at Congregation Albert and various local Jewish organizations. She was a founding member of Jewish Family Service. She and Martin never deliberated about whether or not to leave a Legacy gift. Continuing Jewish life has always been vitally important to them. Mondlick's Legacy gift is to Congregation Albert and the Jewish Care Program, which took the place of Jewish Family Service.

No matter your involvement in the Jewish community, leaving an after-lifetime endowment gift through LIFE & LEGACY is an easy way to support and continue Jewish Life in New Mexico.

How can YOU help assure Jewish tomorrows in New Mexico? Contact Erika Rimson.

Learn more about LIFE & LEGACY.

Aviva Maxon, JCF NM summer intern, interviewed Ruth and worked with her to create this donor spotlight.

December, 2020

John & Lisa Friedman

Both John and Lisa were raised by parents who valued their Jewish heritage. The Friedmans have chosen to leave a legacy donation both to honor their parents and to continue their own commitment to Jewish life.

John was raised in the San Francisco area where Jewish philanthropy was a central focus of his family. His parents supported their congregation, local and national Jewish organizations, and especially, Israel.

Lisa, originally from the Philadelphia area, was raised with a powerful awareness of the significance of her Judaism as a child of two Holocaust survivors. She fondly recalls attending weekly erev Shabbat services with her parents, listening to her mother joyfully sing with the choir, and enjoying a social life that revolved largely around Jewish youth groups.

John and Lisa have both lived in New Mexico for more than half of their lives. The Jewish community in New Mexico has been a big part of the Friedmans' lives, where John served on the Board of the Jewish Federation of NM, and Lisa on the Board of Congregation Albert.

As members of Congregation Albert for over 20 years, John and Lisa's five (collective) children all were educated at Congregation Albert, one of the organizations the Friedmans have chosen to support with a Legacy gift. Also recognizing what seems to be a shift away from "organized religion" and more toward cultural connections, John and Lisa have chosen to leave legacy donations to the JCC and the Jewish Community Foundation, both dynamic organizations that may more readily be able to adapt to the needs of the Jewish community of the future.

Lisa and John hope their gifts will help Jewish life continue to have a meaningful role in the lives of their children, grandchildren and future generations of Jewish New Mexicans.

How can YOU help assure Jewish tomorrows in New Mexico? Contact Erika Rimson.

Learn more about LIFE & LEGACY.

June, 2020

Michelle Laflamme-Childs

As a working mom to two teenage daughters and an actively engaged member of my local community, Temple Beth Shalom is my sanctuary. When my children are struggling through changing schools or friend groups, their b'nei mitzvah friendships are a constant. Holidays with my TBS family are loving and beautiful. I see TBS react swiftly to the needs of its members and know that when the time comes and I or my family need the Mitzvah Corps, TBS will be there.

For these reasons and many more, I have made the decision to include Temple Beth Shalom in my estate planning. It's so easy to pledge your commitment by signing a letter of intent with LIFE & LEGACY. I have committed to something so simple as naming TBS as a contingent beneficiary on my life insurance. I am committed to making sure TBS is there for others as it has been for me.

Michelle Laflamme-Childs runs the Public Art Program for New Mexico Arts and the NM Department of Cultural Affairs. As Temple Beth Shalom's Treasurer, Michelle recognizes the importance of legacy giving to her community. In her spare time, Michelle also writes poems and is a radio DJ on multiple local radio stations.

Everyone, regardless of age, wealth or affiliation has the ability to make a legacy gift that will last forever.

How can YOU help assure Jewish tomorrows in New Mexico? Contact Erika Rimson.

Learn more about LIFE & LEGACY.

November, 2019

Sarah Newman & Sarah Winger

Joy, laughter and perhaps a hint of light-hearted mischief abound as the "Sarahs," Sarah Newman and Sarah Winger, share stories about growing up Jewish in New Mexico and why they've chosen to participate in the LIFE & LEGACY initiative. "It's our duty to play a part and help secure the Jewish community's future," said Sarah N. "After all, we ARE the future…and we are part of the community NOW." Sarah W. agrees and adds, "I feel confident that the values of Jewish community will always be a priority for me. It's important for us to think ahead and have a plan and resources in place."

Each of the young women signed a Letter of Intent reflecting her commitment to make an after-lifetime endowment gift to local Jewish causes near and dear to her heart. "LIFE & LEGACY provides options and flexibility," offers Sarah W. "It was a simple process. Easy-peasy," chuckles Sarah N.

Sarah Newman, a native New Mexican, is the Business & Marketing Manager for a boutique financial planning company in Albuquerque. She is an active community member, serving in multiple volunteer and leadership roles for local nonprofit organizations, including Congregation Albert and the Jewish Federation. She loves attending live concerts and has a spreadsheet to keep track of them all. Sarah is single and her mom is always on the lookout for a husband for her.

Sarah Winger, LPCC, is a Clinical Director at UNMH Children's Psychiatric Hospital. She was raised in Santa Fe, and she and her family were active members of Temple Beth Shalom. Sarah has always valued Jewish community. She is a member of Congregation Albert and the Jewish Federation, and serves on the board of the NM Jewish Historical Society. In her spare time, Sarah teaches indoor cycling classes at the JCC.

Everyone, regardless of age, wealth or affiliation has the ability to make a legacy gift that will last forever.

How can YOU help assure Jewish tomorrows in New Mexico? Contact Erika Rimson.

Learn more about LIFE & LEGACY.

Jennie Negin

In the late 1950's, a fellow college classmate asked me why I was Jewish. Without giving it much thought, I answered "Because my ancestors went through so much so that I could be Jewish in America today."

Afterward I thought of a myriad of other things I could have added. One being, I had such a rich Jewish life growing up in Tampa, Florida. In addition to my home, there was my synagogue, the JCC where I went to Girl Scouts and later learned to dance and so much more. At the time I didn't give much thought to how those things happened, but as I have taken part in Jewish community life as an adult, I see that there is lots of effort and dollars that make these things happen.

While I have supported, and still do support, many Jewish institutions, I want to leave the legacy that my ancestors left for me — the ability for others to be Jewish in the future.

How does that get accomplished? What's important is that you don't have to be rich in resources, only rich in commitment and caring. Endowment gifts can be modest or major, funded now or after your lifetime. There's no down payment needed, only the intention. I have signed a letter of intent to support several organizations in our Jewish community. Why don't you join me?

Jennie L. Negin

Learn more about LIFE & LEGACY.

Terry Lee Heller & Andrew Edwards

Both of their Jewish lives began relatively late in life: for Terry Lee, when she moved to New Mexico 28 years ago, and for Andrew, more recently still. Their path was cultivated and supported by the wonderful people they came to know here. Terry Lee and Andrew believe it's important to ensure that a wealth of Jewish service, tradition and inspiration be forever provided for those who need or want it, just as it was for them.

"We were excited to sign our Letters of Intent and help kick off the new LIFE & LEGACY New Mexico program. It's quite simple to support the Jewish community with an after-lifetime gift in your retirement plan, will, trust or life insurance policy," said Terry Lee. The Jewish Community Foundation of NM also gives Andrew and Terry Lee the ability to support non-Jewish charitable organizations from their endowment funds after their lifetimes, so all giving is in one central place.

Learn more about LIFE & LEGACY.

Leora and Malcolm Siegel with Osama Habib (left), Headmaster of the Tuba Zangaria High School, a WRAP school in a Bedouin village in the Galilee.

Leora and Malcolm Siegel have been involved in the New Mexico Jewish community since they moved here from Boston in 1981. In 2009, they became active participants in environmental peacebuilding in Israel and Palestine, through the Water Resources Action Project, (WRAP) an all-volunteer, non-profit organization based in Washington D.C. and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Environmental peacebuilding promotes peace in areas of conflict.

WRAP began with a simple mission: to provide a reliable supply of water for flushing toilets, washing hands, and keeping restrooms clean in schools for underserved youth in Israel, Palestine and Jordan. In the past seven years, WRAP has built water harvesting systems in a network of 8 middle and high schools and uses digital technology to connect these schools to American schools.

In 2015, Leora and Malcolm established the Environmental Peacebuilding Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico to support a variety of environmental peacebuilding activities in the Middle East including WRAP and the Kidron Valley Project. Leora and Malcolm have brought in other organizations to support these activities including the University of New Mexico and Albuquerque Academy. After four visits in the past six years to Israel and Palestine, Leora and Malcolm have learned the potential of environmental peacebuilding has to bring people from different cultures and political beliefs together and are pleased to be able to support this work through this fund.

Toby & Elisa Simon

For Elisa and Toby Simon, involvement in Jewish life started in Albuquerque when their kids were young. Without a JCC, their home became the meeting place for Jewish teenagers. The Simons actively supported Jewish camps and BBYO. It was important to them.

Today, their grandchildren's future is important to them. They created a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) at the Jewish Community Foundation in memory of Judith Adina Simon. The eventual charitable distributions will support Jewish youth programming as well as social services for Jewish seniors in our community. (Click here for description of a CRUT).

Both Toby and Elisa were leaders in Jewish life. Toby was president of the Jewish Federation in Albuquerque while Elisa was executive director of the Federation from 1979 – 1989. She also assumed a leadership position in the Jewish National Fund as a regional director for 10 years. The Simons' involvement in Jewish communal life has influenced their charitable gifts for the future. Kol Hakavod "all the honor" to them.

Stuart & Janice Paster

We really want to help perpetuate the institutions in the Jewish community,? explains Janice Paster, describing the $100,000 gift she and her husband, Dr. Stuart Paster, made to the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico to create the Janice & Stuart Paster Family Endowment Fund. Annual grants from the fund will be made beginning in 2016 and in every year thereafter.

The Pasters, who have lived in Albuquerque since 1973, have been "giving back" for years. Stuart, who is now retired, had a long practice as a highly regarded diagnostic radiologist specializing in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Janice, an attorney who practiced law for twenty-five years and served in the State Senate for two terms, worked in the state legislature to pass legislation to update and improve medical care and health insurance systems in New Mexico.

Janice has lent her expertise to many nonprofits. She served as a board member and then as board President of the Foundation of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. She also served on the Jewish Community Center board and as President of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico. She was on the board of New Mexico Voices for Children and now serves on the Southwest Women?s Law Center board. She participated in the national Jewish Federation of North America?s Health Committee for six years.

Janice and Stuart?s generosity and foresight will help the Foundation create a strong base on which to build for the future of our community.

Art and Shirley Gardenswartz

Gardenswartz Family Fund started with $1 million gift

Shirley Gardenswartz, wife of Harold Gardenswartz of blessed memory, made a significant gift to the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico in July 2013. Her $1 million donation created the Gardenswartz Family Fund and helped kick off the Jewish Legacy Society of NM.

Harold and Shirley Gardenswartz came to Albuquerque in 1939 from Denver. Harold opened H. Cook Sporting Goods, which he sold in 1969 to Zale Corporation. In addition to Harold's involvement in the business community, both Harold and Shirley were active members of the Jewish community and Congregation B'nai Israel. Harold served as president of the Jewish Federation, and Shirley was an active member of Hadassah. In the early 1970s, they helped purchase land for a future Jewish community campus, which now includes the Ronald Gardenswartz Jewish Community Center (JCC) and David and Martha Cooper Family Enrichment Center, the David Specter Shalom House and the Jewish Academy of Arts & Sciences. In the late 1990s, Harold and his brother Sam generously donated start-up funds for the JCC.

The Gardenswartz Family Fund began making annual distributions to qualified charities in August 2014.

Years ago, our friend Carole Beckhoff made a Promise in the Book of Life to leave a legacy gift to the Jewish community. She had been a volunteer on the boards of Jewish Family Services and the Shalom House and became deeply concerned about people who might not have the means for a Jewish burial. She and Paula Steinberg brought their concerns to both JFS and the Jewish Federation.

Sadly, Carole passed away last year, but her dream to provide a "dignified Jewish burial to those who cannot afford it" was made possible through a gift from Carole's estate. The Carole Beckhoff Fund was established this summer in her memory to fulfill her wishes.

To know Carole was to instantly like her. She had a wide, enveloping smile and an interest in people and their activities. A Chicago native, Carole spent years working as an administrator in Chicago nursing homes. She had great empathy for the elderly and often brought her dogs to the Shalom House to interact with the residents. She loved animals and volunteered for several years at the Eastside Animal Care Center adopting several dogs, which brought much joy to her and her husband, Harry.

The Carole Beckhoff Fund is administered by the Jewish Community Foundation of NM. Gifts can be made to the Fund through a contribution to the Foundation, with a notation to the Carole Beckhoff Fund, at the Jewish Federation of New Mexico office, 5520 Wyoming Blvd., Albuquerque, NM, 87109.

Terry Lee made a Promise three years ago in the JCEF Endowment Book of Life. She signed a page in the Book of Life signifying that she would leave a gift to the Jewish community — for Albuquerque, Israel or elsewhere. At that time she wasn't sure how she would fund her legacy, the size of the gift or which causes or organizations would be the beneficiaries.

Today she has a legacy plan and is more certain of the causes and agencies she wants to support into the future.

She met with Erika Rimson, Board Chair of JCEF, to discuss her philanthropic goals and develop her legacy plan. Terry Lee signed an endowment fund agreement to ensure that her intentions will be carried out. She indicated that half of her retirement funds will flow directly to the JCEF, which, she said, was “easy to do.” The other half will benefit her late husband's grandchildren.

Terry Lee was impressed with the ideas she learned from attending the Jewish Legacy Forum in Tucson, Arizona. “If you view a legacy gift to the community through the foundation as another grandchild,” she learned, “you can allocate a percentage to the community as well as to your family.” This was a powerful statement for her. With that thought in mind, she will make the beneficiary designations in her endowment fund agreement to the causes she cares about; for example, Solomon Schechter Day School, which she helped organize, and the Jewish Federation of New Mexico, where she is currently a board member and active in raising funds for Taglit-Birthright Israel.

Her future gift will be endowed, meaning that her gift remains in perpetuity and annual distributions will be made to her designated beneficiaries from the fund's earnings. Terry Lee's generosity to her family and the community is an example for us all to follow.

Hertha and Irving Auerbach, pillars of our community, were posthumously awarded the Jewish Federation's Medal of Honor in June, 2011. Their story is one of courage, achievement and philanthropy.

Irving was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, received a doctorate in chemistry from Ohio State University, and worked at the War Research Project on OSU's campus. He moved to Albuquerque in 1959 to work in Sandia Labs as a research chemist.

Hedy's early life was far more difficult. She was born in 1927 in Frankfurt, Germany. The family fled Germany, first to Belgium, and then across German lines on a harrowing journey to southern France. Unfortunately, the family was betrayed by the French and turned over to German authorities. Hedy's father died at Auschwitz, but Hedy's mother saved herself and her children by working as slave laborers under false papers.

After the war, Hedy and her family immigrated to New York, and Hedy graduated in the sciences from Hunter College. Hedy and Irving married in the mid-1950s, divorced and later remarried and lived in Albuquerque. They remained devoted, loving partners until death.

Not wanting to choose between congregations, Hedy and Irving were active members of both B'nai Israel and Congregation Albert. Irving founded B'nai Israel's library in which Hedy volunteered, cataloguing and coding all of its books. When Irving turned 90 years old, he became a member of the Chevre Kaddisha of Greater Albuquerque (Jewish Sacred Society).

Hedy died in 2007 and Irving in 2010. Although modest and unassuming people, they left a generous bequest to the Jewish Federation of New Mexico and other charitable institutions. The bequest will endow the “Irving and Hertha Auerbach Fund for Jewish Identity” at the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico. Proceeds from the endowment will be earmarked for PJ Library, camp scholarships, and Birthright Israel/Taglit.

Excerpted from a speech given by Sara Koplik at the JCC/JFNM annual meeting, 2011

by Grace Allison, JD
JCFNM Board Member

Many of us want to benefit both individuals and charity in our estate plans. The question is: how to do it? Consider a charitable remainder unitrust, often referred to as a CRUT. As its name suggests, the unitrust is a special type of trust, making cash payouts first to individuals (either for life or for a term of years) and then to a favorite charity or charities. Payout is always a fixed percentage of the net fair market value of the trust, recalculated each year.

Example: Sarah's charitable remainder unitrust pays her 5% of its net fair market value each year for life; at her death, it distributes to the charity or charities named in the trust document.

Example: Josh's estate plan creates a $100,000 charitable remainder unitrust that pays his son Max 5% of its net fair market value each year for life; at Max's death, the trust distributes to the charity or charities named in the trust document.

Example: Same facts as in prior example. During the first year of the unitrust, Max will receive $5,000. But, if the trust grows in value, Max's cash payouts will increase as well.

Older donors often name themselves as the initial beneficiaries of their charitable remainder unitrusts, to create cash flow during retirement. Alternatively, a charitable remainder unitrust can be created at death, benefitting first a child (perhaps a spendthrift child) and then charity. A donor advised fund may be named as the charitable beneficiary of a unitrust, as may a community foundation.

What about taxes? Charitable remainder trusts are tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, so investments grow tax-free. In addition, donors receive either a charitable income tax deduction for unitrusts created during life or an estate tax deduction for unitrusts created at death. Distributions (which can be monthly, quarterly or annual) are taxable to individual beneficiaries, but only as received.

There are about 80,000 charitable remainder unitrusts nationwide. Often they are funded with appreciated publicly traded stock, appreciated business interests or appreciated real estate. Why? Because no gain is recognized on contribution of an appreciated asset to a charitable remainder trust. Instead, the individual beneficiary is taxed on the gain as payouts are made; any gain that exceeds the aggregate payouts escapes tax forever!

Example: Sam is thinking about selling his very successful landscaping business. He transfers 100 shares of its highly appreciated stock, valued at $200,000, to a charitable remainder unitrust with himself as the initial beneficiary. No gain is recognized on either the transfer of the stock to the unitrust or the sale of the stock by the unitrust. A portion of the gain is taxed to Sam as he receives distributions.

If a charitable remainder unitrust might be an option for you, contact your estate planning attorney to learn more.

The information in the article is not intended as legal or tax advice.

by Grace Allison, JCFNM Board Member

Congress has reinstated the IRA Charitable Rollover for 2015 and made it permanent for 2016 and thereafter. (The provision, first enacted in 2006 as a temporary two-year measure, was previously in effect only through 2014. )

The new legislation, signed into law this December 18, allows anyone 70 1/2 or older to make a direct contribution of up to $100,000 in a single year—including this year—to a public charity from a Traditional IRA—and not pay tax on the amount distributed to charity! Gifts to public charities, such as the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico are permitted—but gifts to donor advised funds or private foundations are not. According to Independent Sector, "in the first two years the IRA Charitable Rollover was in effect, "more than $140 million was donated from IRAs to support the work of public charities across the U.S." No charitable deduction is available for a direct contribution to charity from a Traditional IRA: the tax benefit lies in having the IRA distribution be tax-free, which reduces taxable income.

In the past, prior to 2006, the only alternative for donors who wished to donate IRA funds was to pay tax on their IRA distributions—and donate part—or all—of those taxable IRA distributions to charity; for many, but not all, an offsetting charitable deduction was available. Left in the cold were (i) those for whom itemizing did not make sense because their itemized deductions were less than their standard deduction and (ii) those so generous that they had already exhausted their available charitable deductions for the year of the gift.

This year, as in the past, the IRA Charitable Rollover is generally best suited to those who do not itemize, those who have excess charitable contribution carryforwards, or those who prefer the simplicity of a direct distribution to charity. In the alternative, if you can benefit from itemizing, you can still opt to receive a taxable IRA distribution and use part—or all—of that distribution to make charitable gifts. Whichever you choose (and your accountant will know which is best from a tax perspective), the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico will be grateful for your choice.

Sample Donor Letter

by Grace Allison, JCFNM Board Member

According to Giving U.S.A.?s annual study of charitable giving by individuals, foundations and corporations, U.S. charitable transfers in 2014 topped $358.8 billion, a very healthy 7.1% increase over 2013. As in the past, individuals accounted for most of these contributions, with gifts large and small. Over 73% of the 2014 total is attributable to lifetime transfers by individuals, with another 8% coming from bequests.

Religion was the single largest recipient of donations at 32%, reaching its highest-ever dollar value of gifting; education and human services were at 15% and 12%, respectively. How much did individuals give on an average per capita basis? $1,050 per person—and $2,030 per household.

It is still too early to know the 2015 numbers for gross domestic product and pre-tax corporate earnings, two factors that will likely impact 2015 charitable giving across the board. The economy aside, we do know that giving since the Great Recession has increased at an average annual inflation-adjusted rate of 3.6%, as individuals and others respond to the increasingly visible needs of their communities.

As this year comes to a close, we invite you to consider a 2015 gift to the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico. Cash gifts can be sent to 5520 Wyoming Blvd., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109; for gifts of securities, call our Executive Director at 505.348.4472 or email [email protected].

by Grace Allison

Consider this: "Transferring appreciated assets to charity can cut your income tax bill and increase the size of your charitable gift."

Last year, affluent individuals who sold securities at year-end were unpleasantly surprised by the new 20% capital gains rate and the new 3.8% net investment income tax. For donors with substantial long-term appreciated stock in their portfolios, the choice is simple:

• Sell the stock, pay as much as 23.8% in long-term capital gains tax/ net investment income tax, and donate the net proceeds; or
• Donate the stock to charity, get an income tax deduction--for its full fair market value at the time of contribution—and avoid tax altogether!

We encourage you to consider donating some of your long-term, appreciated securities to the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico to grow our endowment.

For more information contact the Foundation?s Executive Director.

by Grace Allison

Two bills that would revive the IRA charitable rollover for 2014 are now pending in Congress: the America Gives More Act (H.R. 4719), passed by the House on 7/17/14, and the Expiring Provisions Improvement, Reform and Efficiency ("EXPIRE") Act of 2014 (S.2260), approved by the Senate Finance Committee on 4/3/14. The IRA charitable rollover provision, which expired at the end of 2013, would, if extended, allow individual taxpayers age 70 ? and older to direct lifetime contributions up to $100,000 this year from their Traditional IRAs to qualified charities. The distributions would not be included in gross income but would count toward satisfying the donor?s minimum distribution requirement for the IRA.

What to do while waiting for Congress to act? Simply direct your IRA custodian or trustee to distribute the desired amount (up to $100,000) to a qualified charity on or before this December 31. If legislation extending the IRA charitable rollover becomes law, your distribution will be treated as a charitable rollover. If the distribution does not pass, the distribution will instead be treated as if made to you and then contributed by you to the qualified charity, subject to all the usual income tax charitable deduction limitations. As under prior law, distributions to donor advised funds and private foundations are not "qualified charitable distributions." (Happily, a distribution to grow the endowment of the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico is a "qualified charitable distribution.")

We encourage you to discuss charitable options with your professional advisors with whom we are happy to work.