Mission & Vision
Our Impact
Since 1961 JELF has provided interest-free loans to 2,296 Jewish students. We now have recipients living all over the world who are active in their own Jewish communities.
We’re proud that so many of our loan recipients not only become JELF donors, but also vital members of their Jewish communities – in turn, helping future Jewish students in need
Success Story
Megan Williamson
"I was able to enjoy college life while interning with two non-profits which led to employment at graduation and then became building blocks for the consulting role I am now in.”
Success Story
Sara Massachi
JELF was an academic lifesaver for me! JELF allowed me to continue my college career after a sudden death in my family nearly forced me to leave college and head back home. With the help of JELF, I was able to stay in school and earn my BSN.
How JELF works
To determine a student’s JELF loan, JELF first calculates the total cost to attend school for the academic year, including room/board, transportation, living expenses and supplies. JELF then subtracts the student’s total financial resources (including state, school and federal aid as well as possible family contribution(s) from the total cost. By doing this, JELF "levels playing the field" for each student’s need - and prides itself on doing so in a personal, individualized way.
After applying online with all required documentation, students and their co-signer(s) meet with a Local JELF Administrator (LJA) in their hometown. Through this one-on-one interview, JELF works to better understand the student’s financial situation beyond what their tax return shows.
After the application process and LJA interview, loan applications are reviewed anonymously and confidentially by a committee of volunteers who then determine final loan decisions.