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Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, operating publicly as the Jewish United Fund (JUF), was founded in 1900 and has since become one of the largest...
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, operating publicly as the Jewish United Fund (JUF), was founded in 1900 and has since become one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the United States. The entity channels donor capital into health and human services for all faiths across Chicago, Israel, and global communities, while maintaining a substantial investment portfolio to sustain operations. The Federation's investment function, directed by S. Peter Chiswick, manages an endowment-structured portfolio that blends mission-aligned allocations with capital preservation mandates. Directly held real estate assets anchor the balance sheet, including the JUF headquarters at 30 South Wells Street, commercial properties at 216 West Jackson Boulevard and 11139-41 South Michigan Avenue, and community centers in Chicago and Skokie. The organization also holds Israel Bonds, reflecting a capital posture that ties financial returns to its philanthropic geography. The board includes veteran investment practitioners such as Secretary David B. Golder, a Managing Partner at Golder Investment Management, and Assistant Secretary Michael Oxman, an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley. The Federation operates within the Jewish Federations of North America network and draws professional support from the Chicago Bar Association through its active Lawyers Division. The Golder Family Foundation, JCFS Chicago Endowment Foundation, and Michael Reese Health Trust represent affiliated philanthropic vehicles that extend grantmaking beyond the Federation's direct balance sheet. JUF's dual identity as both a grantmaking foundation and a direct real-asset owner distinguishes it from most endowed nonprofits. Unlike university endowments, which rely predominantly on securities portfolios, JUF carries operating real estate and Israel Bonds directly on its books, aligning its investment corpus with the communities it serves.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1900
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Chicago
Corporate office
30 South Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
Principals
Lonnie Nasatir
President
Wendy C. Abrams
Vice Chair of the Board
David B. Golder
Secretary and former Board Chair
S. Peter Chiswick
Director of JUF Investments
Michael Oxman
Assistant Secretary and Board Member
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago?
The investment function is directed by S. Peter Chiswick, who serves as Director of JUF Investments. He operates under the governance of a board that includes experienced financial professionals such as David B. Golder of Golder Investment Management and Michael Oxman of Morgan Stanley. The board's investment committee oversees the strategic allocation of the endowment.
How is the Federation's investment portfolio structured?
The portfolio is structured as an endowment that supports the JUF's operating and grantmaking activities. Unlike many foundations, the Federation holds direct real estate assets — including its headquarters, commercial buildings on Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, and community centers — as well as Israel Bonds, reflecting a hybrid structure that combines financial investments with mission-aligned operating assets.
What is the relationship between the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Jewish United Fund?
The Jewish United Fund (JUF) is the public-facing fundraising and operating name for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. They are the same legal entity; the JUF brand is used for annual campaigns and community programming, while the Federation name is typically used for the institutional and investment functions.
Does the Federation participate in fund commitments or only direct investments?
Publicly available information on external fund commitments beyond Israel Bonds and direct real estate is limited. The known portfolio emphasizes directly held assets, including commercial properties, community centers, and Israel Bonds. The staff- and board-level presence of investment professionals suggests access to traditional endowment-style manager relationships, though specifics are not publicly disclosed.
Where does the Federation's capital come from?
Capital is sourced through 120 years of community-driven fundraising across metropolitan Chicago. The JUF runs annual campaigns, planned giving programs, and donor-advised funds. Board members and affiliated family foundations represent a deep network of multi-generational donors in the region.
What philanthropic structures are affiliated with the Federation?
Several grantmaking foundations operate in proximity to the Federation, including the Golder Family Foundation, the JCFS Chicago Endowment Foundation, and the Michael Reese Health Trust. The Federation also founded the Jewish Women's Foundation. These vehicles extend grantmaking into health, social services, and Jewish continuity beyond the Federation's own balance sheet.
How is the Federation related to the Jewish Federations of North America?
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is a member of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), a network organization that connects 146 independent Federations across the continent. JFNA provides collective fundraising infrastructure, emergency-response coordination, and shared investment programs, though each member Federation maintains independent governance and its own investment committee.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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