Investing in Education. Inspiring the Future. JELF Board Expectations

Thank you for considering a role on JELF’s Board of Directors. Serving on the Board offers a meaningful way to impact Jewish students’ lives by helping them pursue higher education through interest-free loans.

This form outlines what it means to be a JELF Board Member — the expectations, commitments, and opportunities that come with the role. After reviewing, please complete the form below in its entirety so we can learn more about you and your interests.

Together, we can continue turning dreams into diplomas. 🎓💙

Board Expectations Form

Board Expectations Form (#66)

Please select one of the following options:

I just want to review JELF board criteria and expectations.

I am a NEW board member (joining for the first time).

I am a returning/renewing board member (continuing my service).

Thank you for your dedication to JELF’s mission of providing interest-free, last-dollar loans to Jewish students in need across a five-state region. This form ensures that board members understand their responsibilities and provides an opportunity to confirm their commitment for the upcoming term.

Board Member Commitments
All JELF Board Members are expected to:

Term Commitment: Serve a 3-year term (renewable up to 9 years total unless serving on the Executive Committee).
Engagement: Deepen JELF relationships by ongoing meetings with staff and board members.
Meetings: Attend at least half of quarterly board meetings, including the JELF Annual Meeting.
Orientation: New members must attend a short New Board Member Orientation (typically in January).
Committee Participation: Actively serve on at least 1 JELF committee and attend at least half of its scheduled meetings.
Loan Review: Participate in at least 1 Loan Review session during the 3-year term.
Annual Campaign: Make a meaningful donation to JELF’s Annual Campaign.
Advocacy: Represent JELF positively, encourage others to get involved, and lend any special skills to support the organization.
Ethics & Confidentiality:
- Support board decisions and maintain confidentiality.
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

JELF's Commitment to You
JELF is committed to ensuring a positive and fulfilling board experience by:

Providing knowledge about the mission, goals, history, and financials of the organization.
Offering the tools and resources needed to actively participate as a board member.
Ensuring transparency and support from staff, the Board Chair, and committee chairs.
Fostering a collaborative environment for a fulfilling volunteer experience.

New Board Member Expectations:
New board members are expected to:

Commit to a 3-year term.
Meet with at least 2 JELF staff members (including the CEO) and at least 2 board members during onboarding.
Attend the New Board Member Orientation (typically held in January).
Participate in at least 1 JELF committee and attend at least half of the committee meetings.
Make a meaningful contribution to JELF’s Annual Campaign.
Attend at least ½ of quarterly board meetings and the JELF Annual Meeting.
Participate in at least 1 loan review session during the 3-year term.
Positively represent JELF and uphold confidentiality.

What JELF Commits to its Board:
JELF is committed to ensuring a positive and fulfilling board experience by:

Providing knowledge about the mission, goals, history, and financials of the organization.
Offering the tools and resources needed to actively participate as a board member.
Ensuring transparency and support from staff, the Board Chair, and committee chairs.
Fostering a collaborative environment for a fulfilling volunteer experience.

Returning Board Member Expectations
Board members who are renewing their board term with JELF are expected to:

Commit to a 3-year term.
Continue building relationships with JELF staff and fellow board members.
Participate in at least 1 JELF committee and attend at least half of the committee meetings.
Make a meaningful contribution to JELF’s Annual Campaign.
Attend at least ½ of quarterly board meetings and the JELF Annual Meeting.
Positively represent JELF and uphold confidentiality.

What JELF Commits to Board Members
JELF is committed to ensuring a positive and fulfilling board experience by:

Providing knowledge about the mission, goals, history, and financials of the organization.
Offering the tools and resources needed to actively participate as a board member.
Ensuring transparency and support from staff, the Board Chair, and committee chairs.
Fostering a collaborative environment for a fulfilling volunteer experience.

First Name

Last Name

Any updates to your brief bio for JELF's website? (If none, leave blank):

Do you have any feedback on your current commitments or involvement with JELF? Are there any changes or adjustments you would like to suggest to better align with your interests, availability, or skills? If none, leave blank.

Synagogue(s) You Belong To (if applicable):

Birthdate:

Other Jewish or non-Jewish organizations you are involved with (if applicable)

Are you open to traveling on behalf of JELF (e.g., parlor meetings, donor engagement)?

Upload photo for the JELF website (if not available now, please email later).

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If you have an updated photo for the JELF website, upload here.

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Brief bio for JELF website (include career, family, community involvement, etc.). If you do not have this now, you can email it to us later.

I agree to JELF's Board Expectations and look forward to continuing my service.

I agree to JELF's Board Expectations and look forward to beginning my service as a member of the Board of Directors.

Investing in Education. Inspiring the Future. JELF Board Expectations

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