Dear Friends,

We know this is a stressful time and you are receiving many emails concerning this public health crisis. We wanted to share an update about the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven.

First, the Jewish Foundation remains confident that our investment portfolio has sufficient shock absorbers to weather this financial storm. We continue to be mindful that we are stewarding the community’s resources. We also have an operational plan for staff to work remotely, as necessary. The Foundation’s services—and support of the community—will continue.

We understand that you may have questions about the performance of the Foundation’s portfolio. We are in close contact with our investment consultants. Our portfolio is diversified with a long-term allocation outlook and we invest in asset classes that can provide some insulation from the recent equity declines. We welcome your call at any time to discuss the ways in which the Foundation is invested to meet our community’s philanthropic needs and objectives.

We encourage you to start thinking about how your philanthropic resources can have the maximum impact during this moment of challenge. COVID-19, unlike many other disasters, isn’t focused on a single community. It is a pandemic that will affect many around the world. We can all help. We expect needs to rise locally, especially among our most vulnerable. For those with donor advised funds, your fund is available for you to recommend a grant to any organization addressing these needs. Please reach out to our team at any time for individual philanthropic advice.

It is easy for market gyrations and short-term uncertainties to feel overwhelming. Please know that the Jewish Foundation will continue to be the consistent partner and philanthropic advisor you have always trusted and relied upon to provide outstanding service to our donors and community partners.

Craig Sklar, Foundation Chair
Stephen August, Foundation Investment Chair
Lisa Stanger, Foundation Executive Director