BY ERIC ROSS,
UJF DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Over the last six years, the Life & Legacy program through United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien's (UJF) partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) has had a transformative impact on the community. Locally, Jewish organizations and synagogues secured 633 commitments (valued at approximately $16.7 million), and have moved toward a culture of planned giving and increased collaborations.
Now in the second phase of the program, Life & Legacy Plus is designed to continue strengthening that culture of philanthropy. UJF will continue to provide monetary incentive grants, training sessions, structure, and support to assist institutions to build meaningful endowments, directly investing in the future. Life & Legacy Plus will further guide organizations in integrating legacy giving in their culture, and help ensure that more legacy commitments come to fruition. The initiative is also creating deep, meaningful conversations with community members about what legacy means to them. For others, it's a chance to involve the next generation in building a future they'll one day inherit.
Edith Samers. UJF's Life & Legacy Ner Tamid Society Chair, says, "I want to thank the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for all it has done for our community: allowing us to grow, to recognize the examples of those before us, and to put into motion our plan for an amazing future buttressed by a sustainable and meaningful endowment. As we say in our prayers, L'Dor v'dor nagid gad'lecha - From generation to generation we will tell you of your greatness. Thank You!"
How do you express your commitment to the community? How do you support the Jewish organizations that are important to you? Caring for those in need, promoting Jewish learning, celebrating our history and heritage, fostering meaningful lifelong connections - participating in Life & Legacy will help ensure that everything you love about living in Jewish Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien will ensure long into the future. You don't have to be wealthy to participate, and it costs nothing today to make a commitment. If you'd like to learn more about how to support your favorite local Jewish organization(s), please reach out to the following contacts:
- Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, Katherine Dunbar or Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein
- Chabad of Stamford: Vered Links
- Congregation Agudath Sholom: Paul Schieber
- Friendship Circle: Lenore Fogel
- Stamford Jewish Community Center: Joy Katz or Rebecca Isenstein
- Schoke Jewish Family Service: Ronnie Sichel or Erika Gadson
- Temple Beth El: Ron Zussman or Jeff Cohen
- Temple Sinai: Susan Kostin or Michael Stone
- United Jewish Federation: Edith Samers or Eric Ross
- Young Israel of Stamford: Rabbi Eli Kohl
To show our appreciation for everyone who stepped up to participate in the Life & Legacy program, please save the date for this year’s Legacy Community Celebration on Wednesday evening, May 27, 2026.
For more information, please contact Eric Ross at Eric@ujf.org.