Thanks to your generosity, the Atlanta Jewish Foundation recently reached a remarkable milestone: $1 billion in charitable giving. In times of uncertainty, you stepped up – strengthening Jewish Atlanta, supporting our brothers and sisters in Israel, and bringing hope and healing to communities worldwide.
That is our shared legacy, and it continues to grow.
So here’s to the next billion, and to you, our incredible donors and partners. Your enduring values and philanthropic vision are building a Jewish legacy that will last L’dor Vador – for generations to come. We are honored to be your partner on this journey.
A Billion Dollar Legacy – and Growing
What would you do if you could give $1 billion?
We don’t have to wonder – we know.
Because over the past 20 years, thousands of caring people like you have partnered with the Atlanta Jewish Foundation to support countless nonprofits and improve the lives of millions. And today, we celebrate an extraordinary milestone: together, we’ve surpassed $1 billion in charitable donations since 2005.
This incredible number is a testament to your vision, generosity, and leadership. From Atlanta’s neighborhoods to communities across the globe, your philanthropy has fueled real change, creating a safer, stronger, more connected Jewish future.
What You’ve Made Possible
So, what did you do with $1 billion?
- Built Jewish life – synagogues, schools, summer camps, and cultural programs that strengthen identity and community.
- Invested in the future – supporting medical research, cultivating exceptional leaders, and funding groundbreaking ideas.
- Cared for our community – providing food, shelter, mental health resources, accessibility, and safety for neighbors in need.
- Protected the environment and cared for animals.
- Stood with Israel – sending vital aid during times of crisis and building long-term resilience.
- Preserved memory and heritage – ensuring Holocaust survivors are cared for, their stories recorded, and their lessons shared.
- Extended compassion beyond borders – offering relief and support wherever disaster and hardship strike.
“Beyond the donations themselves, all fund fees were reinvested in the Atlanta Jewish community,” says Ghila Sanders, VP of Philanthropic Advisory “so simply by holding your funds with the Foundation, you are already making an impact… This incredible milestone didn’t happen by accident – it was the result of thoughtful planning, meaningful partnerships, and a shared commitment to Jewish values like Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam.”
The Strategic Way to Repair the World
For over 40 years, the Atlanta Jewish Foundation has helped our donors and partners turn their dollars into lasting change. As the philanthropic arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, we work side-by-side with:
- Individual donors – offering tax-smart ways to align your giving with your values.
- Families – creating traditions of giving that pass from generation to generation (L’dor Vador).
- Organizations – helping local nonprofits build and sustain their mission through endowments and other tailored solutions.
- Professional advisors – partnering with CPAs, attorneys, and financial planners to offer clients heart-centered giving tools.
Our team of experts offers tax-smart ways to do good, including:
- Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) – a simple, flexible, and tax-efficient way to manage all your charitable giving in one place.
- Endowment Funds – ensuring the causes you care about have reliable, lasting support.
- Restricted/Unrestricted Funds – designate your gift for a specific program, cause, or community, or trust our experts to use your funds to respond to emerging needs and seize opportunities that make the greatest impact.
- Legacy Planning – helping you create a giving plan that reflects your values and provides for your community well into the future.
- Philanthropic Advisory – offering expert guidance, tools, and resources to help you maximize the impact of every dollar you give.
Whether your goal is to respond quickly to urgent needs, build a lasting legacy, or engage your family in meaningful conversations about giving, we’re here to make your philanthropy as effective and fulfilling as possible.
As Debbie Kuniansky, Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta shared: “Whether you’re giving $10 or $10,000 – whatever you’re giving is meaningful to you. You want to make sure that your dollars align with your values and what means the most to you. The Atlanta Jewish Foundation helps me actually achieve that. They advise me in how I’m going to reach my goals, and help me do it in a way that benefits me through tax benefits or benefits my family, so that I can educate the future generations on how we do our philanthropic giving. They’re a resource at the Foundation that goes hand in hand with the work of Federation. They’re a philanthropic champion for our community.”
A Legacy of Leadership
This $1 billion milestone belongs to you – our donors, families, community leaders, and partners. It belongs to the professional advisors who help guide charitable conversations, and to the nonprofits who transform generosity into tangible change. On behalf of the millions of lives you’ve touched: thank you. We are honored to be your philanthropic partner.
What will you do with the next $1 Billion? Let’s find out – together.
Talk with us today about how we can help you bring your philanthropic vision to life.
No one likes to think about what happens after we’re gone. But imagine your loved ones grieving your loss – while also scrambling to untangle your finances, track down documents, and navigate court delays. That’s the reality many families face when estate plans are incomplete or nonexistent. And that is what Adon J. Solomon, an experienced estate planning attorney and valued partner of the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, is trying to prevent. “My job is to help people protect their family, protect their assets, protect their legacy.” Adon shared.
Despite its importance, estate planning remains surprisingly uncommon. The 2025 Trust & Will Estate Planning Report finds that while 83% of Americans recognize its value, only 31% have a will. Caring.com reports an even sharper decline, estimating that just 24% of adults currently have a last will. These gaps reflect a critical need for awareness – and action.
Why People Avoid Writing a Will
Common reasons include feeling overwhelmed, or assuming estate planning is expensive. In reality, it can be straightforward and affordable, and often costs nothing right now. “People think that because they may not be worth millions of dollars, they don’t have to do anything.” Says Adon. “I’d say everyone should be thinking about getting their affairs in order.” Another common factor is fear of thinking about our own mortality. “I like to think of it more as insurance. If God forbid something happens, your will is there to protect you and your family.”
What Motivates Action?
Major life events like getting married, buying a home, having a baby, facing a health scare, starting or losing a business – are often what trigger the desire to create a will. Adon reflects on what inspired him to update his: “Just being in this profession, I always had something set up. But when we had kids, that was a moment where we felt like we needed to update our will. We wanted to make sure we had guardianship and that the kids would be protected”. He advises his clients to be proactive and review their will every three to five years.
The Cost of Avoidance
Delaying estate planning can create emotional and financial burdens for loved ones.
“If someone passes away and things aren’t structured correctly, their estate could get tied up in probate court,” Adon explains. “That process can take months, adds expense, and delays resolution. If your affairs aren’t in order, you’re really leaving kind of a mess for the people you leave behind.”
This lack of planning can also cause issues earlier than many realize. For example, when a child turns 18 and goes off to college, parents lose the automatic legal right to access their medical information due to HIPAA rules. Without proper documents like a healthcare proxy or HIPAA release, parents may be unable to step in if their adult child has a medical emergency.
Probate delays, extra legal fees, and unnecessary stress are common consequences when families fail to prepare. “The truth is, a plan is going to be created no matter what – either you create it intentionally, or the state will create it for you,” Adon noted. “And the state’s plan probably isn’t going to reflect your wishes.”
Legacy Beyond Legal Documents
Adon’s personal history reflects how legacy is passed from generation to generation. “When it comes to charitable giving, I think I soaked it up by osmosis. My late father and my mother were very involved in our local synagogues and Jewish schools, mostly behind the scenes. It was never news or a headline or anything like that, and there was a lot of time spent and money donated that we didn’t even know about as kids. As we got older, we would hear about it anecdotally from folks in the community: ‘You know, you know your mom was at this event helping out, or your dad was at this board meeting doing that’. That really resonates and makes me proud, and I’m now involved in those same organizations.”
As a father of three – including two twins who recently celebrated their Bat-Mitzvah – Adon reflects on what matters most to him: “Jewish education would be top of the list. I think that’s so important – giving young people the tools to understand their Jewish identity, our culture and traditions… We are in a little bit of a bubble where we don’t always feel the rising antisemitism as much as others. But I think it’s actually time to get more in touch with our tradition. As a Jewish people, there’s always something that connects us, and I think that’s very special.”
Peace of Mind Starts Here
If you’re unsure where to begin – please reach out. Our team at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation is ready to guide you every step of the way. From donor-advised funds and endowments to trusts and bequests, we offer tax-smart tools to plan your legacy and preserve not just wealth – but values and family traditions.
Adon J. Solomon, Partner at Fox Rothschild LLP, is a trusted family and business adviser to individuals and businesses on a variety of wealth and tax planning matters.
Lemonade with Lindsay – Busting Legacy Myths
🍋 Episode 2 of Lemonade with Lindsay is here! This time, Lindsay tackles some of the biggest myths around legacy giving, and shares practical tips for future-proofing not just your family’s wealth, but the values, memories, and philanthropic vision that make your story unique.
Watch Episode 2 of Lemonade with Lindsay now!
Ready to build your legacy? The Atlanta Jewish Foundation offers tax-smart ways to make your values into long lasting impact. Start here.
320 Grants recommended from Donor-Advised Funds.
$2,021,188Donated to Tzedakah.
170 Organizations supported in Atlanta, Israel, and globally.
77% Jewish Causes / 23% Secular Causes.
Visit the Atlanta Jewish Foundation Donor Portal to see your personal giving history.
Backpack Buddies provide weekend meals to food-insecure children across Metro Atlanta to enhance their mental and physical health and their ability to learn.
GEEARS Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students is on a mission to ensure that every child has a strong early foundation to reach their full potential.
Jewish Community Professional Tuition Grant is a Jewish Federation initiative made possible thanks to the Zalik Foundation. Children of full-time Jewish professionals at an eligible Jewish non-profit organization in Atlanta may be eligible for up to a 50% tuition reduction at participating Atlanta Jewish day schools and high school.
Atlanta Jewish Foundation fund holders can support these causes through the online Donor Portal.
Back by popular demand: Dine and DAF! If you have a Donor Advised Fund – or are interested in opening one for yourself or your children/grandchildren – we hope you’ll join us for these delicious community events.
Enjoy complimentary fresh coffee, fruit, and bagels, while gaining insights into your charitable investments, learning strategies to amplify your impact, and connecting with the Foundation team and fellow Atlanta philanthropists!
- Thursday, October 23rd – Intown
- Thursday, November 6th – Sandy Springs
An invite email with registration details will be sent soon – please keep an eye out for it. We look forward to seeing you there!