July 2021 Update
Jewish Advocacy Strategy Surpasses $130M With 5-Year Track Record
JLens launched the Jewish Advocacy Strategy five years ago as a first step for Jewish institutions moving into values-based investing. It was designed to meet the requirements that investment committees seek, including - market rate of return, transparent, liquid, and in an asset class (passive large-cap US equity) already approved in an asset allocation.
The strategy enables investment committees to add a six-point Jewish values overlay on public equities, and to generate positive impact from shareholder advocacy with powerful public companies.
As of June 30, 2021 the strategy has over $130M in assets and nearly 40 Jewish institutional investors, many of whom are now investing and exploring Jewish values-based impact investments in other asset classes as well.
The Jewish Advocacy Strategy is available through most asset managers and platforms, including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, Cambridge Associates, Schwab, and many more. The minimum to invest directly has been reduced to $250,000 (and can be as low as $1,000 when investing via a Donor-Advised Fund).
Invest Your Donor-Advised Fund With JLens
In addition to investment platforms, the Jewish Advocacy Strategy is an investment option at Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) platforms at Jewish institutions across the country. DAFs are a popular charitable giving vehicle and since DAF capital is already charitably designated, it is perfect for impact investing.
The Jewish Community Foundations and Federations that have incorporated JLens’ Jewish Advocacy Strategy directly into their main investment pool for DAFs, include:
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven
Atlanta Jewish Foundation
At some Jewish institutions, JLens’ Jewish Advocacy Strategy is available as a standalone investment option that DAF owners may select:
Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
Jewish Communal Fund of NY
San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund
Oregon Jewish Community Foundation
Jewish Community Foundation of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Jewish Roots of Donor-Advised Funds
 It is a little-known but fascinating history that the Jewish community, particularly the Federation system, played a crucial role in the creation of DAFs.
Norm Sugarman, a lawyer and lay leader in the Cleveland Jewish community, is described in this Forward article as the "$50 Billion Godfather of Charitable Funds."
Recent Press
JLens' mission is to increase Jewish leadership and representation in the influential responsible investing and business movements. This email is for educational purposes only and should not be viewed as investment advice.
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