Our Stories
By community, for community. Every gift at the JCF starts with a dream, a passion, a desire to make a difference. Here in Montreal, and the world over. For today, and for tomorrow.


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Better Than a Private Family Foundation
The JCF has provided me and our family fabulous resources and guidance to establish excellent parameters for our philanthropy. The sophisticated guidance, the genuine empathetic understanding of our needs for flexibility, knowledge of the numerous intergenerational complexities were all handled with professionalism and panache...
Read MoreJonathan Wener
The JCF has provided me and our family fabulous resources and guidance to establish excellent parameters for our philanthropy. The sophisticated guidance, the genuine empathetic understanding of our needs for flexibility, knowledge of the numerous intergenerational complexities were all handled with professionalism and panache. At the outset, we were giving consideration to our own family foundation.
However, with the depth of intellect, reporting and resources that we are able to take advantage of at the JCF, we were able to have more net funds to distribute on an annual basis rather than running a private foundation. The cost structure is highly attractive, the reporting is timely, accurate and easily managed including on line capability.
In addition to all of the foregoing, the JCF is the beneficiary of a stellar investment committee that has provided superior returns on our capital in the foundation. For all these reasons, as well as a superb management team, we think there is no other option than the JCF for a family foundation.
Jonathan Wener
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From a Professional Perspective
I recommend the JCF Donor Advised Fund to my clients without hesitation. Whether to assist with their planning immediately after a realization event or for long-term assistance with their philanthropic goals, the professionals at the JCF are extremely knowledgeable, tax sensitive and user-friendly.
Read MoreRhonda Rudick, BCL, LLB, TEP
I recommend the JCF Donor Advised Fund to my clients without hesitation. Whether to assist with their planning immediately after a realization event or for long-term assistance with their philanthropic goals, the professionals at the JCF are extremely knowledgeable, tax sensitive and user-friendly.
Rhonda Rudick, BCL, LLB, TEP
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Nova Grant Helps JEM Reframe Retirement
Thanks to a generous Nova Grant from the JCF, JEM has been collaborating with the Cummings Centre for Seniors to address the stigma around aging and transition out of the workforce, which has been a long-standing issue in our community...
Read MoreMaia Cooper
Executive Director, JEM Workshop
Thanks to a generous Nova Grant from the JCF, JEM has been collaborating with the Cummings Centre for Seniors to address the stigma around aging and transition out of the workforce, which has been a long-standing issue in our community. This grant enables JEM to positively reframe retirement and introduce older employees to postemployment opportunities that would feed their various needs and dial down the impact of their losses.
Maia Cooper
Executive Director, JEM Workshop
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Scholarship Enables Entrepreneurship in Healthcare
Receiving a scholarship means I can dedicate myself to research, entrepreneurship in the healthcare space, and my medical studies without worrying as much about cost of schooling or groceries. Thank you again JCF and your generous donors!
Read MoreJamie Magrill
Recipient of the Thérèse & David Bohbot Scholarship
Receiving a scholarship means I can dedicate myself to research, entrepreneurship in the healthcare space, and my medical studies without worrying as much about cost of schooling or groceries. Thank you again JCF and your generous donors!
Jamie Magrill
Recipient of the Thérèse & David Bohbot Scholarship
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Joining JCF One of Our Best Decisions
Joining the JCF has been the best decision not only from a philanthropic perspective, but actually one of the best decisions our family has made – period. From a practical perspective they completely streamline all paperwork and admin relating to our families giving, saving us hours and hours of time...
Read MoreJonathan Eltes
Joining the JCF has been the best decision not only from a philanthropic perspective, but actually one of the best decisions our family has made – period. From a practical perspective they completely streamline all paperwork and admin relating to our families giving, saving us hours and hours of time. From a planning perspective they have been insightful, helpful, and extremely flexible. They have a genuine desire to assist in any way they can. Our family looks forward to working together with JCF for many generations to come for our gifting both in Canada and Israel.
Jonathan Eltes
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Giving Made Easy
Working with JCF makes giving so easy. No more chasing tax receipts. Easy online access to make a donation, to set up recurring donations, and to see what you have done in previous years...
Read MoreHoward Stotland, FCPA
Working with JCF makes giving so easy. No more chasing tax receipts. Easy online access to make a donation, to set up recurring donations, and to see what you have done in previous years. Everything is at your fingertips. Quarterly and yearly reports give you a comprehensive summary of what you have done for the year. And if you have a complex transaction the JCF team is there to help you. Giving made easy.
Howard Stotland, FCPA
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Helping My Clients Make a Meaningful Impact
The JCF prioritizes facilitating philanthropy to allow donors to accomplish their philanthropic objectives with ease and efficiency while being agnostic as to where their philanthropy is directed. Their dedication lies in simplifying the process of philanthropy so that donors like myself can contribute more effectively, utilizing our time and resources to make a meaningful impact.
Read MoreDanny Ritter, CPA, CFA
Richter Family Office
The JCF prioritizes facilitating philanthropy to allow donors to accomplish their philanthropic objectives with ease and efficiency while being agnostic as to where their philanthropy is directed. Their dedication lies in simplifying the process of philanthropy so that donors like myself can contribute more effectively, utilizing our time and resources to make a meaningful impact.
Danny Ritter, CPA, CFA
Richter Family Office
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Zera Café Launches Through Nova Grant
Zera Café and Catering is a not-for-profit social enterprise catering service that employs and trains young adults with developmental disabilities including autism to work in kitchens. Zera Café was still in the planning stages when we applied for a Nova Grant in August 2019. It’s thanks to this grant that we were able to get started...
Read MoreEve Rochman
Zera Café
Zera Café and Catering is a not-for-profit social enterprise catering service that employs and trains young adults with developmental disabilities including autism to work in kitchens. Zera Café was still in the planning stages when we applied for a Nova Grant in August 2019. It’s thanks to this grant that we were able to get started. We built a website, tested recipes and processes, and now, we are selling ready to eat modern Israeli meals to the public. We have hired our first two employees, work with fantastic volunteers who serve as job coaches and kitchen helpers, and we expect to continue to grow and hire even more employees. Zera will empower young adults of all abilities to get out, enjoy social interactions, work hard and learn valuable skills that are transferable to everyday life and other employment and also gain financial independence. This is all thanks to having been given a chance to get started from the JCF.
Eve Rochman
Zera Café
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Giving Back To Our Community Is Simpler with JCF
Being donors to the JCF has allowed us to give back to the community that has always been there for us. Indeed, JCF makes our philanthropy simpler and more focused. Thank you.
Read MoreDr. Phil Gold
The Joseph Katz Memorial Scholarship
Being donors to the JCF has allowed us to give back to the community that has always been there for us. Indeed, JCF makes our philanthropy simpler and more focused. Thank you.
Dr. Phil Gold
The Joseph Katz Memorial Scholarship
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Doing Good and Feeling Good
When I came to Montreal in September of 1978, I had been a widow for eight years, had four young adult children in the US, and was about to begin a new life... Luckily I was introduced to the JCF…
Read MoreMiriam Roland
When I came to Montreal in September of 1978, I had been a widow for eight years, had four young adult children in the US, and was about to begin a new life… Luckily I was introduced to the JCF… The Foundation is an organization that attempts not to miss anything, anything that could protect and benefit our community, especially Jewish life here and abroad. I had a friend who used to say that he gave until it felt good. The JCF has the capacity to help people, both its beneficiaries and its donors, to feel good.
Miriam Roland
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Creating a Scholarship Supports Future Generations
Our own grandchildren received scholarships through the JCF several years ago, and we saw first-hand the impact that had on furthering their studies. It inspired Jackie and I, and we could not think of a better way to support future generations of nurses and medical caregivers than with a gift toward furthering their education...
Read MoreJackie & Steven Tabac
Our own grandchildren received scholarships through the JCF several years ago, and we saw first-hand the impact that had on furthering their studies. It inspired Jackie and I, and we could not think of a better way to support future generations of nurses and medical caregivers than with a gift toward furthering their education! The process of establishing our own scholarship at the JCF was seamless and well executed by the knowledgeable and professional staff – with a positive tax outcome to boot! We highly recommend.
Jackie & Steven Tabac
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The Ideal Platform
The Jewish Community Foundation is the ideal platform to organize my family’s philanthropic activities. In addition, it provides us with the latest information and tax benefits to maximise our giving...
Read MoreJeff Segel
The Jewish Community Foundation is the ideal platform to organize my family’s philanthropic activities. In addition, it provides us with the latest information and tax benefits to maximise our giving. The efficient help and care of the professional’s facilitate each and every transaction followed up by timely and reliable reporting. Through our participation in the JCF we have benefited by the advice given to community members of similar interests, concerns and wishes.
Jeff Segel
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The CPL Is Invaluable to Charities
As founder of a Montreal startup charity focused on transforming religious properties, hearing from Scott Harrison at the Centre for Philanthropic Learning (CPL) came at a very significant moment in our own story...
Read MoreGraham Singh
CEO, Trinity Centres Foundation
As founder of a Montreal startup charity focused on transforming religious properties, hearing from Scott Harrison at the Centre for Philanthropic Learning (CPL) came at a very significant moment in our own story. The JCF’s vision for the CPL is perfectly suited at a time when the impact of Montreal’s historic philanthropic sector is propelling us to do more good. I cannot wait to see what CPL has in store for us all.
Graham Singh
CEO, Trinity Centres Foundation
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Nova Grant Strengthening Jewish Bonds
Thanks to the generosity of the Jewish Community Foundation and your Nova Grants program, we are able to establish a stronger bond of identity and awareness throughout our Jewish community and beyond...
Read MoreMuhsky Stern
Director of Westmount Hebrew School, (Powered by Chabad of Westmount)
Thanks to the generosity of the Jewish Community Foundation and your Nova Grants program, we are able to establish a stronger bond of identity and awareness throughout our Jewish community and beyond. We are grateful for your support and humbled by your kindness which allows us to make a big difference in the lives of so many.
Muhsky Stern
Director of Westmount Hebrew School, (Powered by Chabad of Westmount)
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Professional Development Boosts Philanthropy
The recognition of professionals at the Foundation is immensely encouraging and motivates me to continue supporting the wonderful work that the JCF does. The Foundation’s dedication to promoting philanthropy is truly commendable, and I am grateful to be associated with such a remarkable.
Read MoreJean-Paul Peries, CPA
Partner KPMG
The recognition of professionals at the Foundation is immensely encouraging and motivates me to continue supporting the wonderful work that the JCF does. The Foundation’s dedication to promoting philanthropy is truly commendable, and I am grateful to be associated with such a remarkable organization.
Jean-Paul Peries, CPA
Partner KPMG
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Now Able to Pursue Education of My Dreams
The support that the Jewish Community Foundation has allowed me to dedicate all my efforts towards my studies leading to my acceptance into the program of my dreams. I am extremely grateful to the JCF for recognizing the academic excellence, community involvement and leadership activities of fellow students...
Read MoreMark Sorin
Yvonne and Andrew Koenig Foundation Scholarship recipient
The support that the Jewish Community Foundation has allowed me to dedicate all my efforts towards my studies leading to my acceptance into the program of my dreams. I am extremely grateful to the JCF for recognizing the academic excellence, community involvement and leadership activities of fellow students. I hope to one day be able to give back to the JCF and future students through the establishment of my own scholarship.
Mark Sorin
Yvonne and Andrew Koenig Foundation Scholarship recipient
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Life & Legacy Empowers Our School to Thrive for Generations to Come
The Jewish Community Foundation Life & Legacy Program has been instrumental in empowering Les écoles Azrieli to secure its future. The program has inspired us to learn more about our donors and about the reasons they support our mission...
Read MoreMonica Mendel Bensoussan
Director of Development, Les écoles Azrieli Talmud Torah | Herzliah
The Jewish Community Foundation Life & Legacy Program has been instrumental in empowering Les écoles Azrieli to secure its future. The program has inspired us to learn more about our donors and about the reasons they support our mission. Through conversations with loyal donors, we have come to realize that they too want to see a bright Jewish future for generations of Talmud Torah / Herzliah students. They too are eager to ensure that the school continues to thrive for years to come, supporting generations of Jewish youth on their journeys to becoming the creative and innovative Jewish leaders of tomorrow. The Jewish Community Foundation has given us the support and knowledge we need to speak with our donors about the power and possibilities of a legacy gift. Furthermore, they offer our donors their expertise and guidance in choosing the most beneficial financial path to make that gift.
Monica Mendel Bensoussan
Director of Development, Les écoles Azrieli Talmud Torah | Herzliah
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Through JCF, LIFE & LEGACY™ Securing Our Future
Federation CJA has recently celebrated 105 years of building, supporting and sustaining the Montreal Jewish Community. Life and Legacy is an opportunity for so many of our long-standing donors and supporters to ensure that their legacy continues into the future, ensuring that we continue to have the greatest Jewish Community in the Diaspora...
Read MoreNatou Suissa
Chief Development Officer, Federation CJA
Federation CJA has recently celebrated 105 years of building, supporting and sustaining the Montreal Jewish Community. Life and Legacy is an opportunity for so many of our long-standing donors and supporters to ensure that their legacy continues into the future, ensuring that we continue to have the greatest Jewish Community in the Diaspora. The professionalism of the program, combined with proven experience from around North America, is ensuring that Federation CJA is securing endowments for the future of our Jewish Community. Thank you to the Harold Greenspoon Foundation for their visionary programs and thank you for our inspiring partners at the Jewish Community Foundation.
Natou Suissa
Chief Development Officer, Federation CJA
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Easy Philanthropy At Fraction of Cost
The Foundation is crucial to my philanthropy. I appreciate the ease and flexibility in giving as well as their tremendous financial and tax knowledge. I can give more to the causes and organizations I care about – for a fraction of the cost. I like that.
Read MoreGary D. Shapiro
The Foundation is crucial to my philanthropy. I appreciate the ease and flexibility in giving as well as their tremendous financial and tax knowledge. I can give more to the causes and organizations I care about for a fraction of the cost. I like that.
Gary D. Shapiro
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Tax-Efficient Giving Strategies For My Clients
I recently arranged a tax-efficient insurance policy for a couple who wanted to do something worthwhile for future generations. Their annual premium is tax-deductible, and they were able to create a substantial legacy at a relatively low cost...
Read MoreSylvie Amar
B.Sc. in Actuarial Science, Financial Security Advisor
I recently arranged a tax-efficient insurance policy for a couple who wanted to do something worthwhile for future generations. Their annual premium is tax-deductible, and they were able to create a substantial legacy at a relatively low cost. We joined forces with the professionals at the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal to ensure that their favorite charities would benefit from their generosity, forever.
Over the years, the JCF has become an ally in helping me create and strengthen the bonds I build with my clients. Not only are its members highly skilled, they also understand my clients’ values and offer a holistic approach with them at the centre.
Sylvie Amar
B.Sc. in Actuarial Science, Financial Security Advisor
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Peace of Mind
When we were thinking about our financial and philanthropic plans, the JCF offered the expertise to help us provide for the future of our family and the community we love. They also offered something else – peace of mind. At this stage in our lives, it feels good to know we have a trusted advisor who cares about what’s important to us.
Read MoreHarvey & Alta Levenson
When we were thinking about our financial and philanthropic plans, the JCF offered the expertise to help us provide for the future of our family and the community we love. They also offered something else – peace of mind. At this stage in our lives, it feels good to know we have a trusted advisor who cares about what’s important to us.
Harvey & Alta Levenson