To Our Federation and Foundation Family:

"The transfer of wealth should follow the transfer of YOUR Jewish Values."

As the end of the calendar year approaches, and with the general economic and political tenor throughout the world, it is important that you review your financial picture to match your own Jewish values.

Your values expressed by your continued support of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, its agencies and its Israel & overseas partners are very much appreciated. Now may be an appropriate time for you to consider some strategies to maximize certain tax savings. The Jewish Community Foundation offers several opportunities that may be beneficial to you:

• Charitable donations by checks and/or appreciated property must be made and actually received by the charity on or before December 31 (as always).
• IRA/retirement Plans Rollover: this provision in the IRS code remains in effect at least through December 31, 2011. If you are 70 1/2, you may transfer (rollover) up to $100,000 per person from your IRA directly to a qualified charitable organization. This will not be included in your income and will count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) for 2011. This is particularly important if you are paying or pre-paying a "larger" commitment. Note: rollover funds cannot be transferred to a "Donor Advised Fund," but can be directed to the Jewish Federation of SPBC and/or its agencies.
• Interest Rate strategies: with the current low-interest rate environment, it may be appropriate to consider establishing a Charitable Lead Trust (CLT). This will pay income to a charity for a set period of years and then transfer the asset to another family or next generation member with minimal federal transfer taxes.
• Charitable Gift Annuities (CGA): With the IRS Discount Rate at all-time lows, the purchase of this annuity may allow a higher deduction for retained life estates. Based on your age, the rate of return (income to you or a designated other) may be much higher than the current rates for bonds and money market certificates.
• Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT): Establishing a Charitable Annuity or UniTrust will provide an annual income flow to you or any person of your choice, and a current income tax deduction, while enabling you to secure the future of Jewish lives beyond your lifetime.
• It is essential that you discuss these issues with your personal financial, tax and estate professional before making any final decisions.

The Jewish Community Foundation is available for a private, confidential conversation about any of these programs as they relate to your personal values and the services provided through the Jewish Federation, its agencies and its Israel & overseas partners.

For more information, please contact Steve Rose, Foundation Director at 561-852-3114, email stever@bocafed.org, or visit http://www.jewishboca.org/foundation.

David Pratt, Esq, JCF Chair		Elyssa J. Kupferberg, JCF Vice Chair
Marla Weiss Egers, Executive Vice President		Stephen E. Rose, Foundation Director