Inspiring Philanthropy: A Year of Growth and Impact at the Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary

By Joseph Tappenden

(Calgary) – The Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary (JCFC) has released its 2025 Annual Report, celebrating another year of growth and meaningful impact in the Calgary Jewish community and beyond. For more than 35 years, JCFC has been the long-term philanthropic partner of the community, helping individuals, families, and organizations make lasting contributions to the causes they care about most.

This past fiscal year, JCFC reached a new milestone: $40.5 million in assets under management, up from $33.7 million the previous year. The Foundation now oversees 265 charitable funds, reflecting the growing trust of community members who see JCFC as a secure and effective way to fulfill their philanthropic goals.

JCFC Chair Stuart Myron attributes this growth to the generosity of fundholders and the Foundation’s careful stewardship. “An increasing number of individuals, families, and community organizations have faith in our Foundation’s ability to support their philanthropic passions and objectives,” he said. “Because of their collective efforts, our future is strong.”

Grants and distributions totaled more than $2 million this past year, supporting over 200 local and national charitable initiatives. This reflects our fundholders’ commitment to investing their charitable dollars into meaningful community causes, including education, social services, health and wellness, Israel, and religious institutions.

JCFC’s investment portfolio also performed exceptionally well last fiscal year. Despite ongoing global uncertainty, disciplined management and diversification produced strong returns. Richard Nagan, outgoing Chair of the Investment Committee, explained: “Our managers have continued to bring prudence and strong guidance to our investments. Even in an unpredictable market, we focus on the long term — ensuring stable growth that allows the Foundation to provide dependable support to the community.”

Another area of continued success is the Life & Legacy program, an initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that helps individuals and families make after-lifetime gifts to the Jewish organizations they value most. Since joining six years ago, nearly 270 Calgary donors have made formal commitments, representing an estimated $19.2 million in future endowments which will support Jewish schools, synagogues, and agencies. In November 2024, JCFC and its partners launched a new Life & Legacy Council, bringing together community professionals and lay leaders to encourage others to consider legacy giving. The goal: to welcome an additional 100 donors over the next five years.

“These commitments represent not just generosity, but vision,” said Myron. “They reflect a shared belief that financial sustainability is essential for the strength of Jewish life in Calgary — not only today, but for generations to come.”

JCFC continues to inspire the next generation of community builders through educational initiatives. This past summer, 28 teens from Camp BB Riback participated in the Teen Philanthropy Program, adding to the more than 200 young people who have participated since it began. Underwritten by B’nai Brith Lodge #816, the program teaches Jewish teens the value of charitable giving and how thoughtful philanthropy can make a real difference.

As the Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary celebrates over 35 years of inspiring philanthropy, its mission remains clear: to nurture generosity, steward resources wisely, and ensure the Calgary Jewish community continues to thrive for generations to come.

To learn more about JCFC, how you can build your legacy, or establish a fund, visit jcfc.ca, call (403) 640-2273, or contact Joseph Tappenden at josephtappenden@jcfc.ca.