The Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF) believes that anyone, at any stage of life, can create a meaningful legacy. From birth to bar or bat mitzvah and beyond, TJF supports individuals and families as they explore how their values can shape and sustain Jewish life, now and in the future. TJF partners with donors at every stage of the philanthropic journey, from those just beginning to think about giving, to seasoned philanthropists seeking to formalize or expand their impact. Whether establishing a first fund or planning a lasting endowment, TJF provides the tools, guidance, and community connection to help give with purpose.

Founded in 1984 with a single endowment fund, TJF has grown into a trusted philanthropic partner with more than $160 million in assets across 700+ active funds. Over the last three decades, TJF has distributed nearly $263 million in grants to support Jewish organizations, synagogues, and community initiatives in Tidewater, across the U.S., and in Israel.

TJF’s role is to serve as the central financial resource for philanthropic giving in the Jewish community. TJF works with individual donors, families, professional advisors, synagogues, and Jewish agencies to implement strategies that align with donor intent and meet evolving community needs. The LIFE & LEGACY PLUS initiative, relaunched in 2024, strengthens the long-term sustainability of local Jewish institutions by encouraging after-lifetime giving. More than $21 million in future endowment commitments have already been secured through this effort, reflecting the power of legacy-minded generosity across all generations.

Through donor-advised funds, charitable bequests, charitable trusts, IRA distributions, and other tools, TJF offers customized philanthropic pathways that allow donors to support the programs, causes, and institutions they care about most. TJF does not run programs, it fuels them.  Every dollar of fees collected is reinvested locally, ensuring that shared resources stay in the community and work for the community.  To explore how a legacy can support Jewish life in Tidewater and beyond, contact TJF’s team, which is ready to guide the conversation – wherever an individual or family is in their giving journey. Together, it’s possible to secure a stronger, more vibrant Jewish tomorrow.