Endowment Book of Life Program

The Endowment Book of Life program at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba is a planned giving program that offers participants an opportunity to leave both a financial legacy and a historical legacy to the community. Donors make a promise to leave a bequest to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba and have their family stories inscribed in the Endowment Book of Life.

 

 

 

 

Why are participants referred to as signers?

Participants in the Endowment Book of Life program are referred to as signers because they sign their promise to leave a bequest to the Foundation and they sign their family story.

What costs are involved in becoming an Endowment Book of Life signer?

There is no immediate cost to becoming an Endowment Book of Life signer. Participants are expected to leave a bequest to the Foundation. Many, however, do choose to establish a named fund at the time of becoming a signer.

What size of a bequest does a signer have to leave to the Foundation?

There is no minimum amount required. Signers, however, are encouraged to remember that this will be the last gift that they will be making to the community and that it should reflect their sense of gratitude, commitment and hope for the future of the community. It will be their legacy.

What are the bequests used for?

Donors may leave instructions for their bequest to be used to support a specific charitable organization, program, service or scholarship. If they prefer, they may leave an undesignated bequest that will be used at the discretion of the Foundation in response to community needs.

Can participants get help writing their family story?

Absolutely. Foundation staff are available to interview donors about their life, write their stories or edit their stories.

Can a signer write the story of another family member?

Yes. Signers may choose to write the story of their parents, grandparents or any other family member they wish to memorialize. A story written in memory of parents or grandparents requires a donation upfront.

Can only Winnipeggers become Endowment Book of Life signers?

No. The Endowment Book of Life program offers former Winnipeggers a unique opportunity to remember their roots and to leave a gift to the community that raised them. It also offers them an opportunity to ensure that their family name will be remembered in the Winnipeg Jewish community.

What happens to the family stories once they are written?

Once a family story is approved, it is inscribed in the Endowment Book of Life on display in the Asper Jewish Community Campus and available here on our Website. It is also embossed on a custom-designed plaque that is given to each signer as a keepsake.

How does someone become an Endowment Book of Life signer?

Anyone who is interested in becoming an Endowment Book of Life signer is encouraged to contact the Foundation's Director of Donor Relations, Brenda Gurvey, at 477-7528 or by e-mail at bgurvey@jewishfoundation.org.

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