Giving with Intention and Maximizing Impact: Meet Heather Schwedt and Aaron Levinoff

Aaron and Heather Levinoff with their four children

Aaron and Heather Levinoff view philanthropy not just as giving, but as a meaningful way to reflect their values, support the Jewish community and model generosity for their children. After meeting at Cornell, Aaron in business school and Heather in veterinary school, the couple eventually made their home in Baltimore, choosing the city for its strong Jewish community and as a place to raise their family.

“We have four kids, and our priority has always been to give them a strong foundation in Jewish life,” Aaron shares. “Baltimore felt like the right place for us to do that, from day schools to camps to community programs.” Heather adds, “Being involved in our kids’ education, whether at Beth Tfiloh or through programs like Friendship Circle, has naturally deepened our connection to The Associated and the broader community.”

Education is at the heart of their giving, both in time and dollars. “The next generation of Jewish leaders will emerge only if we invest in their education,” Aaron says. “Everything from day school to summer camps to youth programs like NCSY and CTeen has been a focus for our family.” But supporting the community goes beyond their children’s activities. Heather and Aaron are motivated by a broader sense of responsibility to help ensure that Jewish communal programs thrive. “If nobody steps up to support the community, many important programs simply wouldn’t exist,” Aaron notes.

That philosophy guided their decision to open a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with The Associated last year. “To be honest, I’d never considered a DAF before,” Aaron admits. “But once I heard about it, especially the incentive where The Associated adds up to $1,000 to a new fund, it became a no-brainer.”

For the Levinoffs, a donor advised fund offers flexibility, simplicity and impact. “It allows us to manage charitable giving in a way that aligns with both tax planning and timing.” As an accountant by profession, this matters to Aaron. He explains. “The process is seamless. You just press a few buttons online, and a grant is made to a charity we recommend. And the best part is that the money continues to grow tax-free between the time we donate to the DAF and when the grant is made.”

Heather emphasizes that their DAF reflects their values. “Aaron generally leads the strategy, but we always discuss the grants together. Our kids know that giving is important. It’s not just dollars, it’s about time, service and intentionality. Eventually, once the kids are a little older, we hope they’ll have a voice in where our family gives, too.”

Aaron also appreciates the virtuous cycle a donor advised fund creates. “A portion of the fees goes back into The Associated and our community. A donor advised fund is not just investing in outside charities, it’s investing in the local ecosystem we care about. That’s a win for all of us.”

The Levinoffs’ giving reflects their belief that philanthropy should be personal, purposeful and responsive. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach,” Aaron notes. “We want to respond to the needs that matter most in the moment, whether that’s supporting day schools locally, Jewish programming for youth nationally or programs in Israel.”

For others considering a donor advised fund, Aaron has this advice: “It’s straightforward, easy to administer and gives you flexibility to meet your charitable goals on your timeline. The grants get processed seamlessly, and you can focus on the impact rather than the paperwork.”

A Special Opportunity to Give More

For a limited time, if you open a donor advised fund with The Associated before the end of 2025, you will receive up to $1,000 to grant to a Jewish charity of your choice.*

Aaron sums it up simply: “Opening a DAF isn’t just about the dollars. It’s about being intentional, aligning your giving with your values and making it easier to do good, today and for the long term.”

*Eligible grants for the incentive include: The Associated, any of its agencies and programs, Baltimore synagogues and day schools, and not-for-profits whose mission is to support Israel. Offer available for the first 50 donor advised funds opened before December 31, 2025.