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About JELF
JELF provides interest-free, last-dollar loans to Jewish students pursuing higher education. Unlike scholarships, JELF loans must be repaid — but because they are entirely interest-free, students only pay back what they borrow, making them a far more affordable option than traditional loans. What makes JELF truly unique is that every repayment helps fund future students, creating a sustainable cycle of support for generations to come.
A “last dollar” loan from JELF covers the remaining expenses after all other financial aid options have been exhausted. JELF provides “last dollar” loans, typically ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 annually, based on the remaining financial need.
How a JELF “Last Dollar” Loan Works:
- Students apply to JELF after securing all possible scholarships and loans, including Federal Direct Loans.
- JELF calculates the loan amount based on the student’s remaining financial need after other aid is applied.
The average JELF loan is approximately $4,800 per academic year. This amount can vary based on factors like the financial needs of applicants, available funding, and individual circumstances. JELF strives to offer meaningful support while ensuring the sustainability of the fund for future students.
JELF Eligibility Criteria:
- Jewish Students: Must be Jewish by lineage or conversion (Messianic Jews are not eligible).
- School Type: Must be enrolled full-time in a U.S.-accredited college, university, or vocational school.
- Residency: Must reside in FL, GA, NC, SC, or VA (excluding metro DC).
- Age: No age limit, though most recipients are 18-25.
- Need: Must demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA, submitting documentation, and participating in an interview.
JELF serves students across a five-state region: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia (excluding metro DC). Here is data from the last three years with a full breakdown.
Major Markets:
- Metro Atlanta
- South Florida: Includes Miami-Dade, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach
Other Markets:
- Florida: Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville
- Georgia: Savannah, Augusta
- North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro
- South Carolina: Charleston, Columbia, Spartanburg
- Virginia: Richmond, Virginia Beach, Roanoke
Many students come from smaller Jewish communities where they may be the only recipient in their area, such as Macon, GA, or Wilmington, NC.
Relocation: Over 90% of JELF recipients relocate for higher education, attending over 170 different colleges and universities across the U.S. This results in a presence across the northeast, midwest, and west coast.
JELF’s mission is to provide interest-free loans to Jewish students. We achieve this through three main funding sources:
- Repayments from Borrowers: JELF’s strong 99% repayment rate ensures that funds are recycled effectively to support new applicants.
- Donations: Individuals and families generously contribute to help sustain our mission and enable us to offer loans without interest.
- Investment Earnings: Principal and earnings from JELF’s investment fund, established from the sale of the Atlanta Hebrew Orphans’ Home in the 1970s, also support our loan program.
These combined resources allow us to offer 0% interest loans, directly benefiting students and helping them achieve their educational goals.
JELF works hard to raise awareness and ensure that Jewish students and their families know about our assistance. As such, we connect with a wide network of contacts including:
- Jewish agencies
- Synagogues of all denominations
- Jewish Federations
- JCCs (Jewish Community Centers)
- JFS/JFCS (Jewish Family Services)
- Jewish youth groups
- Hillel chapters
- Chabad chapters
Additionally, JELF focuses on marketing beyond the Jewish community, therefore we also reach out to public high schools, college counselors, universities, and technical programs across the U.S. We value the support of individuals and organizations who help spread the word. If you’d like to assist in our outreach efforts, please reach out through the contact form.
JELF is committed to staying connected with former beneficiaries through the efforts of its Alumni Committee, which meets quarterly. Former recipients also have the opportunity to:
- Provide Feedback: Participate in surveys and one-on-one discussions.
- Share Their Stories: Submit JELFies—short stories or videos highlighting their experiences.
- Get Involved: Contribute, access career guidance, and engage with the community.
For more information on staying engaged and giving back, visit the alumni page.
JELF achieves a 99% repayment rate through a combination of strategies:
- 0% Interest: Interest-free loans allow us to ease the financial burden on students.
- Deferred During School: Borrowers never pay while they are still a full-time student.
- Graduated Repayment: Smaller amounts are repaid in the beginning and gradually increase, aligning with a growing earning potential.
- Personalized Support: Tailored financial guidance to help students manage their finances effectively.
This approach ensures that students can comfortably repay their loans and continue to succeed after graduation.
To be eligible for a JELF interest-free loan, a student must:
- Identify as Jewish (must be Jewish by lineage or conversion; Messianic Jews are not eligible.)
- Be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status. Student visas do not qualify.
- Reside in JELF’s five-state region: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia (excluding metro DC).
- Be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at a U.S.-accredited institution.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Maintain a GPA that aligns with their school’s academic progress standards.
JELF serves students in the following states:
- Florida
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia (excluding metro DC)
This region was established when JELF was founded as the Hebrew Orphans’ Home (HOH) in 1889, serving B’nai B’rith District #5, which continues to be JELF’s service area.
Residency Requirement:
- Students must have lived in the five-state region for at least one year before the application deadline.
- Proof of residency can include legal documents such as a driver’s license or tax return.
- Students can attend any U.S.-accredited school, regardless of location.
For Hebrew or Jewish Free Loan agencies outside JELF’s five-state region, you can find a list through the International Association of Jewish Free Loans.
JELF provides funding for students to attend any U.S.-accredited college, university, or vocational school of their choice.
JELF takes both the total cost of the student’s education as well as the family’s total resources into account. Defining need is both personal as well as different for different families. Need is based not only on household income but also the number of individuals in a household, as well as a medley of other factors related to health or employment that may directly alter what funds exist for a student’s higher education.
Learn more here about JELF’s process for determining each applicant’s loan amount.
JELF loans are based on financial need, not a student’s GPA. In order to be eligible (or stay eligible) for funding, all loan recipients must prove to be in good academic standing each semester.
JELF loans are available for students attending U.S.-accredited universities, vocational, or CTE (Career & Technical Education) programs. If a school is eligible for FAFSA, it meets JELF’s criteria.
Although most international universities are not FAFSA-eligible, JELF has funded programs outside the U.S., such as the American Medical Program at Tel Aviv University in Israel, which is accredited through NYU.
To determine if an international school qualifies for FAFSA, please contact the university or program directly.
Because JELF provides “last dollar” funding—filling in the final gap after all other financial aid has been applied—students are required to accept all federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans that are offered to them. These loans typically carry the lowest interest rates and most flexible repayment terms, and accepting them is a requirement before JELF can step in to help. However, JELF does not require families to take out Parent PLUS, Grad PLUS or any other high-interest private loans.
Yes! Thanks to the Judith and Aaron Alembik Endowment, JELF has established a dedicated fund specifically to support the children of Jewish clergy. This endowment ensures that eligible clergy children have access to JELF’s interest-free loans as part of the regular application process, helping them pursue higher education without the burden of high-interest debt.
This fund is not intended for students who are studying to become rabbis, cantors, or other Jewish clergy themselves. Rather, it is intended to assist the children of clergy in financing their undergraduate or graduate education. To learn more about this unique opportunity and eligibility requirements, visit jelf.org/clergy.
No, there is no application fee to apply for a JELF loan. Our loans are completely free—there are no fees or interest. Recipients only repay the amount they actually borrow.
- Full Academic Year: January 1 to April 30
- Spring and/or Summer Semesters: August 1 to September 30
To complete the application, students will need:
- Photo ID / driver’s license
- The most recent federal tax return (student’s and parent’s if student is a dependent).
- W-2 or 1099 Form
- Financial aid award letters and cost of attendance from the college or university.
- School acceptance letter (new students) and most recent transcript.
- FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
- Any additional documentation requested by JELF based on the student’s unique situation.
No, applicants do not request a specific dollar amount. JELF determines a student’s need by subtracting their total financial resources (including state, school, and federal aid, as well as possible family contributions) from the total cost of attendance for that academic year.
To compile a summary of each student’s need, JELF uses a combination of the FAFSA Submission Summary, applicant and/or parents’ tax returns, and additional financial information provided on the loan application and during the personal interview.
Because financial circumstances and school costs can change annually, JELF loan reviewers evaluate all loan information and supporting documents each year.
At JELF, the difference between a dependent and independent student depends on whether the student is relying on any parental support.
- Dependent student – Typically under the age of 25 and is claimed on parents’ income tax form(s) for the previous year.
- Independent student – Typically 25 or older. If under 25, must not be claimed on parents’ income tax form and cannot receive any parental support. If a student is independent and under 25, JELF will require further verification.
A cosigner is someone willing to be legally responsible for a borrower’s repayment if the borrower defaults. While JELF does not charge any interest or fees, we are responsible for ensuring that every dollar loaned is repaid in full. JELF therefore requires a cosigner for each loan made.
JELF Cosigner Criteria:
- Must reside in the U.S.
- Provide tax returns, W-2s, and a government-issued photo ID
- Most cosigner relationships are a parent, legal guardian or relative. A cosigner cannot be the applicant’s spouse,
All cosigners must complete the cosigner application, including submitting required documentation. (Note: This step should not be done until the appropriate time and after receiving email instructions.)
JELF maintains strict confidentiality regarding the identities of its applicants. Only the appropriate JELF staff and the Local JELF Administrator (LJA) who interviews the applicant and cosigner will know about the loan application.
We are sensitive to the issues that lead individuals to seek financial assistance, and we ensure privacy by assigning each application a non-identifying code. JELF loan reviewers and other staff members do not have access to an applicant’s name or gender.
JELF never sells or gives lists of loan applicants to outside parties and will only disclose the name of a recipient with the recipient’s permission.
Once an application is submitted:
- It is reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
- The student will be contacted for a personal interview, conducted by a Local JELF Administrator (LJA) or JELF representative.
- JELF’s Loan Review Committee will carefully evaluate each application.
- Applicants will be notified by email once a decision has been made—typically either in early-August or late-November.
JELF prioritizes the security of all information throughout the application process.
- Secure Transmission and Storage: All data collected from students and cosigners is transmitted via our secure email platform and stored on our private, secure server and CRM software.
- Maintaining Confidentiality: We diligently maintain the confidentiality of your information during its use and promptly delete it when no longer needed.
- Proven Track Record: In our six decades of handling educational loans, JELF has never experienced a data breach.
- Prompt Notification: If any breach were ever suspected, affected parties would be promptly notified.
The personal interview, involving both the student and their cosigner(s), is designed to gain a deeper understanding of the applicant’s needs beyond what financial documents can show. This in-person or video interview will cover:
- Educational Program: Details about the student’s chosen program and professional goals.
- Financial Situation: Current financial status, debts, and any special expenses.
- Family Dynamics: Context about the student’s family situation.
Confidentiality: The interview is conducted with strict confidentiality. The Local JELF Administrator (LJA), often a social worker from a local Jewish agency, is involved in the intake process but does not make funding decisions. Post-interview, information is presented anonymously to JELF’s Loan Review Committee, along with a summary of the application.
Click here for more details or to prepare for a JELF interview.
This is not a problem! As long as an applicant has legal residency within JELF’s five-state region, JELF will consider them. Many applicants come from smaller Jewish communities, and we ensure that a Local JELF Administrator (LJA) is assigned to each student regardless of location. For further assistance, please visit our LJA page.
Loan decisions at JELF are made through an anonymous and confidential process led by volunteer reviewers, including JELF board members and donors. Each application is personally reviewed, and loan amounts are determined based on a student’s financial need, personal situation, and circumstances.
Students will typically be notified of their loan status shortly before the first semester they have applied for funds for (e.g. early-August or early-December).
- Notification will be sent via email.
- If selected to receive a loan, students must review and sign the loan agreement before funds can be disbursed.
JELF loans are awarded directly to the student, not their family or the school they are attending. If a student applies for funding for the full academic year, JELF divides the loan into two equal payments, one at the beginning of the school year and the second in mid-to-late December. It is up to each student to determine how they best need to utilize these funds throughout the semester.
Students can receive funding shortly after the notification of their loan.
- Loans are sent directly to the student after the student accepts the loan, both the student and their cosigner complete the promissory note and the student has filled out their bank information so that the loan can be directly deposited into their account.
- Students will receive confirmation from JELF once funds have been sent.
JELF does not offer a formal appeals process. However, we encourage students to share their feedback through our student survey, which is sent out after loan notifications. If a student believes their financial circumstances were not fully understood, they are welcome to provide additional context through the survey. While changes cannot be made for the current cycle, this feedback helps JELF reevaluate and improve future decisions.
Once awarded a JELF loan, both the student and their cosigner(s) must sign a Promissory Note accepting the loan amount. After the Promissory Note is fully executed, JELF will deposit the loan through an ACH (automatic bank deposit) following bank account verification. For full academic year awards, the loan is disbursed in two installments: half in August and the other half in December, assuming the student remains in good academic standing.
No, a student is not obligated to accept the JELF loan once it is offered. Most applicants do not yet know their total financial resources when applying. A student or family should withdraw their application as soon as they realize they no longer need the loan. Students can reapply for subsequent school years if they discover a gap in funding.
Yes, sometimes individuals want to help a borrower by repaying all or some of their loan! Setting up a one-time ACH payment will allow an individual to make a gift towards a borrower’s balance. A one-time payment towards repayment can also be made anonymously.
Repayment of a JELF loan begins six (6) months after one of the following events:
- The student’s final graduation
- Termination of the student’s course of study
- Change in the student’s status to part-time
For example, if a student graduates in May or June, their first payment will be due on January 1 of the following year. JELF does not ask for repayment from full-time students, so they can defer repayment if they choose to continue their studies.
After a six-month grace period to get situated and find employment, recipients have eight (8) years to pay off their loan. Many students pay off their loans well before this time.
- Graduated Repayment Scale: Repayments start small and gradually increase over the eight-year period to stay manageable.
- No Interest Accrual: JELF loans never accrue interest, so students only pay back what they borrow.
- High Repayment Rate: Our 99% repayment rate is a testament to our success and the diligence of our recipients.
JELF’s repayment program is graduated, with payments starting smaller and increasing over time to accommodate changes in income:
- Years 1 and 2: 5% of the total amount borrowed
- Years 3 and 4: 10% of the total amount borrowed
- Years 5 and 6: 15% of the total amount borrowed
- Years 7 and 8: 20% of the total amount borrowed
Repayers are welcome to accelerate repayment at any time. Paying off the loan early helps JELF assist more students in need, and there is no penalty for early repayment.
Repayers can easily set up monthly payments through ACH (Automated Clearing House), which allows funds to transfer from one bank account to another securely.
- Bank Transfers: ACH is used for setting up automatic payments, ensuring efficient and secure transactions.
- Credit Card Payments: JELF does not accept credit card payments for student repayments. Using a credit card could turn a non-interest-bearing loan into interest-bearing debt and would incur processing fees.
A celebration of course!
The recipient will receive their final promissory note stamped “Paid in Full” and will then join the ranks of JELF’s Alumni!
Eventually JELF hopes former borrowers will also join JELF’s “Full Circle Society,” a giving society of individuals who, like them, received JELF loans, paid them off in full – and are now in a position to give back to JELF, helping future generations.
Yes! As a 501(c)(3) organization, all monetary donations to JELF are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Donations in exchange for goods or services (like event food) may not be fully deductible. For specific tax questions, consult your tax advisor.
JELF’s Tax ID (EIN) is 58-0568686.
Every donation to JELF supports Jewish students pursuing higher education through interest-free loans, with a small portion covering operating expenses. Each year, JELF’s Board and Finance Committee allocate loan funds based on the prior year’s income. Due to JELF’s cyclical application process, careful planning ensures the best distribution of limited funds.
Yes, JELF proudly maintains a comprehensive gift acceptance policy to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with our mission. This policy enables us to thoughtfully consider and accept donations that empower us to continue our vital work of providing interest-free loans to Jewish students in need, thereby fostering educational opportunities and transforming lives within our community.
JELF is proud to hold a Five-Star Charity Rating (100%) from Charity Navigator, reflecting our commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective use of donor funds.
Form 990: Access our latest Form 990 and audited financial statements for detailed financial information.
Charity Navigator: JELF’s Four-Star Rating highlights our dedication to managing donations responsibly.
If you choose email notification, the individual will receive an automatic message through JELF’s donor form. For a mailed card, JELF will send it within 1–3 business days.
If you suspect the notification hasn’t been received, please contact JELF for assistance and we would be glad to resend.
JELF has over 1,000 donors annually. Donations are received from across JELF’s five-state region and beyond, particularly through alumni. Atlanta donors make up JELF’s largest constituency while South Florida donors contribute about 15% of the total raised. Former recipients make up 10% of the donor base, a number that continues to grow each year.
Yes, with a substantial contribution, donors can earmark their gifts for specific purposes, such as supporting students in certain fields or communities. Larger gifts may also be used to establish an endowment, creating a lasting impact by funding future generations of Jewish students. Contact JELF to discuss these opportunities further.
For donation assistance, you can:
- Submit a Question: Contact JELF’s development team anytime via this online form.
- Call Us: Reach JELF’s office at 770-396-3080 during business hours.
The JELF team is here to help and look forward to assisting you!