$20M Hecktman gift renames JCC Chicago, funds future growth and Jewish programming across Illinois

JCC Chicago has announced a $20 million gift from Jeffrey Hecktman through the Hecktman Family Foundation, renaming the organization the Penny and Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago. The funding establishes a permanent endowment to sustain and expand Jewish programming, leadership development, and community engagement across Illinois. The award aims to meet a rising demand for accessible Jewish experiences and strengthen community infrastructure for future generations statewide. The endowment is expected to generate long-term funding to support programs, partnerships, and services reaching tens of thousands of participants each year.