How Family Traditions Have Shaped the Brenner Family’s Giving


Becky and Josh Brenner were both taught to give of themselves at a young age, and they carry on this tradition of philanthropy as they have built their own family. They are passionate and intentional about how they are shaping their family’s philanthropic traditions. Jewish values have played a large part in guiding their family’s giving. Becky says, “According to the Torah, we are created in G-d’s image. G-d is compassionate, gracious and kind. We believe that one way to act out these attributes is through our philanthropy. The people and institutions in our Jewish community epitomize kindness and compassion, so we strongly support our community with our own giving.”

As longtime donors to The Associated, Becky and Josh learned about how donor advised funds (DAF) work, and recently decided a DAF made the most sense for their family to simplify their charitable giving. They enjoy the ease of giving through a DAF, stating that, “Making grants with our DAF streamlines the financial side of things with the added benefit of timing our tax deductions. Also, The Associated’s Jewish Community Investment Fund (JCIF) has a great track record for investing [our philanthropic dollars]. Plus, recommending a grant from a DAF, using Donorsphere, The Associated’s online grantmaking system, makes giving as easy as clicking a button.”

“Both our parents and our grandparents inspire our involvement in the Jewish community and our giving.”

Giving through a DAF allows families the opportunity to be thoughtful and purposeful when making decisions about which causes to support. The Brenners, like many in our community, care about formal and informal Jewish education, as well as environmental sustainability. They can easily give to both causes through their DAF. Supporting vulnerable populations inside and outside of the Jewish community has always been a priority for the Brenners as well, and through DonorSphere, Becky and Josh are able to search for, and recommend grants to, multiple organizations.

When asked to give advice to other Associated donors, the Brenners, in unison replied, “Just do it!  It will make your giving simple and easy and you will receive excellent customer service from Associated professionals.”

Learn more here about donor advised funds at The Associated. Or contact Jackie Yahr at jyahr@associated.org or call 410-369-9248 with specific questions on how to get started today.


Subscribe to our newsletter

The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

Join Our Mailing List

Add Impact to Your Inbox

Sign up for our newsletter


Subscribe to our newsletter

The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

Join Our Mailing List