Jewish community foundation-managed endowments increased 7.6 percent in 2012 over the previous year, a new survey found.
The Jewish Federations of North America annual survey of endowment development released last week showed federation endowments distributed $1.4 billion in 2012 to Jewish and secular organizations locally, nationally and internationally. Endowment assets grew in 2012 to $14.3 billion, and contributions to endowment programs rose to $1.8 billion.
Overall, endowment contributions plus contributions to the federations’ annual campaign combined for $2.7 billion overall.
Endowment grants have been used to support programs that advocate for social justice, deliver food and medicine to the needy, fund Jewish education, and provide disaster relief.
Endowment assets included unrestricted funds, restricted permanent funds, donor-advised funds, supporting foundations, legacy and other types of gifts contributed to federations and Jewish community foundations.