The Estelle W. and Karen S. Kalish Foundation is a donor-advised fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation. I named it after my wonderful grandmother, Estelle Watelsky Kalish (my father’s mother), not because the money came from her (it didn’t), but because I absolutely adored her. Everyone did. I was her first grandchild and there’s often something special between a grandmother and her first grandchild, and that was true for us. In my eyes, she was loving, beautiful, and could do no wrong.
My giving is focused on three areas:
- literacy, closing the achievement and opportunity gaps, leveling the playing field for minorities, especially African Americans, and issues of race;
- organizations that help the Jewish community; and
- causes that my close friends care about.
I have supported nonprofits that move the needle and have data to prove it: nonprofits that evaluate their impact, manage to outcomes, and collaborate and partner with other nonprofits to increase and improve their impact in the wider community.
Now that I am in Seattle, I am rethinking my giving. I may end up in the same place, but I think it’s a good idea to reflect and reconsider my priorities. To those interested in receiving support, send me a one-pager about your nonprofit, keeping in mind my areas of interest and efforts to evaluate and collaborate.
I am blessed. To whom much is given, much is required, and I love funding nonprofits that move the needle and make the world a better place. I look at everything I do as a “get to,” not a “got to.”
My Legacy
If I have a few shekels left when I “leave,” several organizations in my will will benefit (with the caveat that they can’t kill me to get it). One of them is Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis. Here’s why.