Legacy Giving

Legacy Giving

Avodah Senior Staff and a National Board member speak with a donor
2024-2025 Service Corps Members at the Capital Jewish Museum

Create Your Legacy at Avodah

Make tikkun olam (repairing the world) integral to Jewish life for many years to come.

A legacy gift is a lasting investment in Avodah, advancing our mission to develop lifelong social justice leaders whose work is informed by Jewish values and who inspire the Jewish community to work toward a more just and equitable world, as we have done for over 27 years. 

Already have us in your estate plans? Let us know.

Why Avodah?

We believe that Jewish leaders have the power to change our country for the better. We train and support Jewish professionals at all levels of their careers with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to contribute their skills and passion to advance social justice across the country and deepen the fabric of our diverse Jewish communities.

When you make a legacy gift to Avodah, our work becomes a part of your legacy.

2015-2016 Service Corps Member works at The Ark in Chicago

Help communities across the United States get access to housing, food, medical care, education, and support through our Jewish Service Corps.

Jewish Service Corps alumni gather for a reunion

Support a thriving pluralistic community of thousands of alumni built on Jewish traditions, education, respect, and equitable relationships.

Institute for Social Change FJC Cohort participants

Invest in the next generation of Jewish professionals and lay leaders as they work for long-lasting social change.

Planning considerations

We want to ensure you have everything you need to make the best decision for you.

Legacy Giving FAQ

Explore your giving options with our Frequently Asked Questions.

Legal Language and Tax ID

Easily include Avodah in your estate plan using templated language.

Financial Accountability

Financial documents to help you make an informed decision.

Get Support

Our Development Team is here to help you every step of the way.

Already have us in your plans?

If you have already made a gift to Avodah in your will, trust, or beneficiary designation, please let us know. We would like to recognize your generosity by welcoming you as a new member of our Avodah Legacy Kehillah, a community of supporters who share an extraordinary vision of creating a more just and equitable world.

We will not publish your name if you would like to remain anonymous.

Legacy Giving Resources

An estate plan is comprised of one or more documents such as a will, trust and/or beneficiary designation form. Bequests can be made with cash, securities, real estate, or other property. You may designate a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, a fixed percentage of your estate, or leave your residuary estate after you have provided for loved ones.

Need a printable version? Download our Legacy Gifting Guide.

Why do I need an estate plan?

An estate plan ensures your wishes regarding who will receive your assets, such as your financial accounts, stocks, life insurance policies, personal property, and real estate are honored.

If you do not have an estate plan, you risk state law determining who will receive your assets.

What do all of these terms mean?

Whether you are completely new to estate planning terms or just need a reminder, make your planning process easier to navigate with our Legacy Giving Glossary.

What are the benefits of making a legacy gift to Avodah?

In addition to providing critical support to Avodah’s mission, these gifts may allow you to maximize inheritance, increase retirement income, reduce tax liability, and ensure your hard-earned savings are used toward your belief in justice as a Jewish value.

How do I make a legacy gift to Avodah?

You can name Avodah as a primary or contingent beneficiary of your retirement plan, a life insurance policy, financial accounts, personal property, or other assets by filling out our declaration of intent form.

Easily include Avodah in your estate plan using our template language and glossary.

I’ve included Avodah in my estate plan, now what?

If you have already made a legacy gift to Avodah in your will, trust, or beneficiary designation, please let us know using our declaration of intent form. We would like to recognize your generosity by welcoming you as a new member of our Avodah Legacy Kehillah.

If you have any questions, please contact Shira Sarfati, Chief Strategy Officer, at give@avodah.net.

Information for executors, attorneys, and family

If you are helping to administer an estate or trust or have information regarding an account on which Avodah is a named beneficiary, please contact Shira Sarfati, Chief Strategy Officer, at give@avodah.net.

Make sure you have the correct information, like our legal name, address, and tax ID.

Your Genorous Gifts at Work

See how Avodahniks are addressing the most pressing issues in the U.S.

Meet the 2026-2027 Jewish Service Corps Placement Organizations
Meet the 2026-2027 Jewish Service Corps Placement Organizations

Every year, Jewish Service Corps Members put their values into action, serving at organizations doing critical justice work in Chicago, New Orleans, New York City, and Washington, D.C. At Avodah, we believe in the power and importance of developing deep, authentic...

Jewish Service Corps Member Helps Jewish Queer Youth Thrive
Jewish Service Corps Member Helps Jewish Queer Youth Thrive

Avodah provides its Jewish Service Corps Members with a house, a program, and a framework for building Jewish community together. But what they actually build inside it—the specific relationships, the trust, all the good that comes out of a group of people living in a...

Disclaimer

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.