Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fund FAQs

• What is the benefit of establishing a Bar/Bat Mitzvah fund?

  Establishing a Bar or Bat Mitzvah Fund provides young people with the opportunity to effect positive change in their community. Having a fund teaches them about the importance of giving and the value of tzedakah, and sets them on a path of life-long giving! 

• What is the minimum amount needed to establish a Bar/Bat Mitzvah fund?

  $100

• Who can open a Bar/Bat Mitzvah fund?

  Funds can be established at any time for any child. Many funds are opened when a child is born; most are opened either before or after the child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. A fund can be opened even if your child won’t be having a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

• Who can contribute to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah fund?

  Anyone can make a contribution to the fund, either at the time of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah or at any other time for any occasion. 

• What happens to the money in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah fund?

  The money is invested and each year the income from the investment is distributed for charitable purposes. 

• What happens when the Bar/Bat Mitzvah fund reaches $750?

  If the Fund reaches $750 within two years of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the Nora & David (z’l) Kaufman Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fund will contribute $250. This brings the Fund to the $1,000 level, at which point it becomes donor-advised. This means that our young fundholders can decide which charities receive funding.

• What if a Bar/Bat Mitzvah fundholder wants to have a regular fund at the Foundation once he/she is an adult?

  Bar/Bat Mitzvah funds will be transferred into regular funds at the time the child turns 25. Prior to turning 25, the fundholder will be advised that the time is approaching when their fund will be treated on a consistent basis with other Foundation funds.

• How do I establish a Bar/Bat Mitzvah fund?

  If you would like to open a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fund, please contact Laurel Hogan, Donor Development Associate, at the Foundation office by telephone at 204.477.7462 or toll-free from the US/Canada at 1.855.284.1918 or by email at [email protected].