Why does Temple Beth El need this Campaign?
The Campaign for Temple Beth El has two important purposes:
1. To build a more substantial endowment.
2. To fund much-needed modernization and improvements to the building.
This Campaign will not only help us sustain our current levels of excellence but also enable us to grow
and thrive for future generations.
What is an endowment?
An endowment is a permanent fund to be used for specific purposes. Most endowments are invested in a manner that keeps the principal amount intact and generates income to support operations, programs or services. Best practices dictate that a congregation of our size has an endowment equal to five times our annual budget. Temple Beth El’s endowment will be professionally and carefully managed by the Jewish Community Foundation in Hartford. Your investment will continue to grow and provide supplemental income that will support the congregation’s budget and ongoing needs eternally.
How will the money from the endowment be used?
The income generated from the unrestricted endowment will be used to support the general operations of Temple Beth El. Income generated from restricted endowments will be used to pay costs associated with the donor’s designation. The four general areas for creating restricted endowments are worship, education, facilities, and programs and services.
What are the assurances that my money will be used properly or invested well?
The current endowment funds, along with the money raised by this Campaign, will be invested in accordance with our Investment Policy and will be under the vigilant eye of the Endowment Investment Committee. Temple Beth El promises to follow donor instructions.
What changes are being proposed to our building?
Even though it has been carefully maintained, our beautiful building needs some important improvements to keep up with our vision, programs and services. Our plan is to make Temple Beth El environmentally sustainable and universally accessible. We are including an elevator, more user-friendly meeting areas, and a new administrative suite to make our synagogue more welcoming and contemporary.
To accomplish this, we have retained an architectural firm that is recognized nationally for its work with synagogues. In addition to the new design, the firm will create a long-term facility plan and a multiyear facility master plan.
How can I contribute to the Campaign?
You can support the Campaign in many ways:
1. A current cash contribution can be made, or a multiyear pledge can be structured over as many as five years.
2. Donating assets other than cash, such as appreciated securities, is also an option.
Can we give a family gift?
Yes. We encourage family members to combine their gifts with those of other family members to create a more substantial gift.
How do I know how much to give?
To determine the appropriate level of your contribution, you may want to reflect upon the role that Temple Beth El plays in your life, your children’s lives and the livelihood of the Stamford Jewish community. Any member of the Campaign’s leadership team will be happy to meet and talk with you to answer your questions.
Special dedication/naming opportunities have been identified for the Campaign, and there are also appropriate honor categories that can help guide you.
How long do I have to pay for my pledge to the Campaign?
Campaign gifts may be paid over as many as five years.
Do I have to give the same amount of money each year?
The terms of how your gift is paid are completely up to you. You are able to schedule payments throughout the five-year pledge period as you see fit and as these payments fit into your personal budget.
Is my contribution to the Campaign tax deductible?
100% of every contribution to the Campaign is tax deductible. The timing of the tax deductions can depend on how your contribution is structured. Please consult your tax professional to confirm the appropriate timing of your deduction(s).
How will my gift be recognized?
Every donor to The Campaign for Temple Beth El will be recognized at the honor category in which he or she gives. Special attention will be given to donor recognition throughout the life of the Campaign and at the end of the Campaign to commemorate the dedication of our Temple Beth El members.
How do I get involved?
We welcome everyone who would like to be involved in the Campaign effort!
Please contact Peter Kempner, our Campaign Chair, at campaign@tbe.org for more information.