Leading philanthropist Harold Grinspoon had grown increasingly concerned about the financial security of Jewish institutions throughout the country. He felt strongly that a robust endowment – built by legacy (or planned) gifts – would enable Jewish organizations to deliver quality programs to future generations without the pressures and constraints of raising annual contributed income. Through this effort, Jewish heritage and culture would be sustained in perpetuity. Based on a model already in practice by the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego, Grinspoon developed the LIFE & LEGACY program providing four years of training, support and monetary incentives to select communities throughout North America. Following the initial four-years, Grinspoon envisioned that local communities would continue the important work of securing legacy gifts, stewarding donors and integrating legacy giving into its philanthropic culture.

Princeton, New Jersey was selected, along with six other communities across the country, to participate in the first cohort of LIFE & LEGACY. The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer served as the administrator of the local program, providing an infrastructure, training and education, proven tools, clear deliverables, and ongoing support. This infrastructure set up the participating Jewish organizations for success by holding them accountable and by offering an experienced fundraising professional, the LIFE & LEGACY Coach, as a constant source of guidance, strategy, feedback and motivation. During this first phase of LIFE & LEGACY, 16 local Jewish organizations signed on to serve as “Partners” in the program. They represent synagogues of different Judaic denominations, agencies and educational institutions.