EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s Center for Jewish Studies has entered into a four-year partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s (HGF) LIFE & LEGACY Initiative. 

Through training, support, and monetary incentives, HGF LIFE & LEGACY motivates Jewish organizations to secure legacy gifts, steward donors, and integrate legacy giving into the philanthropic culture of the Jewish community.

Promoting legacy giving

The EMU Center for Jewish Studies will participate in the HGF LIFE & LEGACY program that assists communities across North America, through partnerships with Jewish Federations and Foundations, to promote after-lifetime giving and the building of endowments that will sustain vibrant and valued organizations for the next generation and beyond.

 “We are grateful to be included in this nationwide initiative,” said professor Marty Shichtman, director of the Center of Jewish Studies at EMU. “The LIFE & LEGACY Program will afford the Eastern Michigan University Center for Jewish Studies an opportunity to raise awareness of the value of our programs, and to let our many communities know about the impact sustained giving will have on the Center’s success.”

Ensuring a strong future

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) creates opportunities to connect with Judaism and the Jewish community at key life moments. Since its launch in 2010, loyal community donors have committed almost a billion dollars in future gifts to participating organizations, securing a strong Jewish future for the next generation and beyond.

“The greater Ann Arbor Jewish community is proud to participate as a LIFE & LEGACY partner of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation,” the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor said in a statement. “This forward-thinking program engages local Jewish organizations in a collective and collaborative endeavor to ensure the strength of our community now and for the future.”

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.