Dear Friends of DJCF,
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting with fellow Dallasite and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, Debra Phares, a leader in philanthropy services with UBS. Our conversation explored the many ways generosity can take shape. I referenced a theme from my Catholic school upbringing, “The Three T’s: Time, Talent, and Treasure.” Debra shared that the philanthropic community has expanded this framework to include SIX Ts of giving, adding “Ties, Testimony and Truth” to the original trio.
As outlined in UBS’ 2023 white paper, Your Giving Styles, the Six T’s are defined as:
• Time – Hours devoted to an organization (e.g. board service)
• Talent – Skills offered in service (e.g. fundraising, consulting)
• Treasure – Financial contributions
• Ties – Leveraging networks to benefit a cause
• Testimony – Public advocacy and support
• Truth – Values that guide your philanthropic vision
The paper also describes three styles of giving – spontaneous, intentional, and transformative – and depending on where you are in your philanthropic journey, you may see yourself reflected in each stage.
One of the most striking impressions for me as a newcomer to community philanthropy is how often the focus centers on Treasure alone. At DJCF, we’ve been encouraging our partner agencies, and modeling ourselves, that each of the Six Ts play a vital role in building a thriving Jewish community. At different stages in our lives, we may embody different Ts, depending on our connection to the mission and the needs of the moment.
A favorite example of this in action is our partnership with the Schoenbrun family, who created a matching gift program using their donor-advised fund at DJCF. Together, we developed a framework that reflects their family values – not only matching financial gifts but also recognizing Time and Talent through volunteerism and board service. Larry Schoenbrun was recently quoted in the Dallas Morning News, sharing his Truth and Testimony, and representing the family’s Ties to our community.
At our recent professional advisors’ seminar, celebrating 30 years of collaboration, I quoted the latest Indiana University/Bank of America Study, which surveyed over 1,600 affluent households. The findings were clear:
• 69.5% give based on personal values or beliefs, and
• 62% find volunteerism deeply fulfilling
Yet, many community institutions still struggle to engage donors beyond financial support. I believe endowment growth is the key to unlocking the capacity for smaller nonprofits to engage supporters more holistically – through advocacy, storytelling, and meaningful relationships. If an organization is constantly focused on survival, it’s difficult to elevate to deeper levels of engagement. Endowments offer a reliable, consistent stream of operating revenue. For smaller nonprofits, even a modest endowment can bring tremendous relief. Individuals can establish endowments at DJCF with an initial contribution of $25,000.
Our tradition teaches us that giving is not just a financial transaction, it’s a sacred act of tzedakah, rooted in justice and compassion. Through tikkun olam, we repair the world not only with our treasure, but with our time, talent, and truth. And through l’dor v’dor, we pass down values and commitments from generation to generation, ensuring the continuity of our kehillah, our community.
As we enter the season of giving, and reflect year-round on what it means to contribute, remember that philanthropy is not just about writing a check; it’s about writing the story of our community. Whether through time, talent, treasure, ties, testimony, or truth, each act of generosity is a line in the greater epic of Jewish life. At DJCF, we’re here to help you craft your philanthropic narrative with intention, purpose, and enduring impact.
New Disbursement Option Now Available for Grantees
We’re excited to share that the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation is now offering a faster, more secure way for your grantees to receive their grant payments through our new disbursement partner, Chariot.
This new option enhances the grant experience for nonprofits by offering:
• Faster Payments – Once a grant is approved, funds are delivered electronically to the grantee’s Chariot deposit account. No more waiting for checks in the mail.
• Increased Security – Electronic transfers significantly reduce the risk of check fraud, offering a safer way to disburse funds.
• Simplified Processing – Grant information and funds arrive together, making it easier for nonprofits to track and manage their donations.
Grantees can choose to set up a Chariot deposit account for electronic deposits or continue receiving checks, the choice is theirs.
This upgrade is part of our ongoing commitment to improving the grantmaking experience for both fundholders and nonprofit partners.
Jewish Future Promise
You may have heard us talking about the Jewish Future Promise. You can learn more about it on our website, but don’t take it from us! Check out this op-ed from JFP’s CEO, Hadara Ishak, on how this moment is an exciting time to plan for a strong and vibrant Jewish future — and how we each can play a part.
October 7 Commemorations
Join us in commemorating October 7th at these two community wide events:
Run for Their Lives
Sunday, October 5 at 10:00 AM
Register here: Run For Their Lives
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
Sunday, October 5 at 5:00 PM
Who Are The Marcuses? Screening in Dallas
We are proud to partner with Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) for a special screening of Who Are The Marcuses?
The Legacy Midtown Park
8240 Manderville Ln | Dallas, TX 75231
Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Israel Now Forum
Join us for a comprehensive program designed to inspire and educate the greater Dallas Ft. Worth community about the State of Israel.
Employee Spotlight: Mary Vaughan
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