why support jelf When you give back, Jewish students go forward.

JELF provides interest-free loans to Jewish students from a five-state region (FL, GA, NC, SC, VA, excluding metro DC) for undergrad, graduate or vocational programs. Students can attend any U.S. accredited school.

JELF's vision is that every Jewish student with financial hardship can borrow interest-free to obtain the accredited higher education of their choice.

JELF is audited annually and prides itself on its commitment to accountability and financial transparency, ensuring donors and partners have full confidence in the stewardship of funds:

• 2023 990
• Audited Financials
• Annual Reports

You can also verify JELF's non-profit status with the official IRS determination letter, affirming its commitment to operating as a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

JELF’s revenue sources stem from:

• Fundraising: Grants requests and individual solicitations account for roughly 15% of JELF’s yearly income. Additionally, JELF’s volunteer board actively helps achieve its financial objectives by regularly soliciting new and former donors.
• Investments: JELF's modest investment account is carefully monitored and stewarded by JELF’s longtime investment firm, as well as JELF's Treasurer, finance and investment committees, and longtime COO.
• Repayments: JELF’s 99% student repayment rate ensures that its interest-free investments in deserving Jewish students provide a steady return of funds -- which are then reloaned to current/future applicants.

JELF's dynamic professional team is comprised of dedicated staff members who collectively strive to ensure the success of the organization. With years of experience and unwavering dedication, the JELF team is committed to serving its mission with passion and expertise, making a lasting impact on the lives of deserving students.

Learn more about JELF's professional team.

Meet JELF's 2024 Board of Directors and Executive Team.

JELF’s singular focus provides a direct impact by enabling students to maximize their personal and professional potential and become contributing members of society.

Unfortunately, the relative wealth of the Jewish community often shadows the fact that there are many low-and middle-income Jews living in the U.S. In total, 10% of students served in 2023 have been on food stamps at any point in their life.  12% currently receive some other form of government aid (e.g. Welfare, Social Security, Medicaid).  23% of undergraduate students received a Pell Grant, which means they demonstrate a significant need.  In 2023, 40% of families served by JELF earned less than $60,000 in the last year.

Even with robust financial aid packages (grants, scholarships, family support), many students still experience a significant gap in college funding. JELF’s “gap” loans offset more than just tuition - they also help pay for room and board, books/supplies, transportation, utilities, food and more. In 2023, JELF provided support to 473 students with $2,158,564 in interest-free loans.

JELF’s interest-free loan program runs on a cyclical basis with two application periods. The spring application is open from January – April and services students attending school for the following academic year. For those who miss the spring application, JELF also offers the opportunity to apply each August – September for funding for the following spring and summer semesters.

JELF partners with local Jewish agencies and social workers to administer loans.  Work with social workers and other like-minded professional, each applicant is interviewed - and personally guided through the process.  In addition, JELF regularly partners with organizations and schools that reach its target audience, including on-campus Hillel and Chabad houses, synagogues, college programs, and more.

Learn more about JELF's partnerships.

Organizational success is evaluated throughJELF's loan program repayment rate and alumni engagement. After a student’s final graduation from school, a borrower has six months to begin repayment, which then extends over an eight-year, graduated period.

JELF has had a 99% repayment rate for 17 consecutive years - proof of the financial self-sufficiency of JELF’s recipients.  This is the best indicator of our organizational success.

In addition, the JELF staff evaluates the impact of our interest-free loan program through student and alumni surveys, which are both regularly administered. Through surveys, JELF has learned that the majority of recipients feel a deeper connection with the Jewish community after receiving loans from JELF.  This often leads to former recipients seeking opportunities to become more involved and/or contributing back to their Jewish community and/or contributing back to the Jewish community, thus deepening their Jewish engagement.

Explore JELF's data-driven approach to impact assessment.

JELF is consistently ranked as a four-star charity on Charity Navigator, underscoring our commitment to excellence and the positive difference we make in the communities we serve.

JELF shares the latest updates and insights through its News page, which features news, press releases, media coverage and more.

If you’d like to share information about JELF, we also have great resources for you! Visit our Share JELF page to find materials and tools to help spread the word.

In addition, you can visit JELF's Video Library or learn more through following JELF on any of its social media platforms:

• Facebook (@jelfloans)
• Instagram (@jelfloans)
• LinkedIn

Have questions or want to learn more about how to support JELF's mission?  Fill out the supporter inquiry form below and a member of the JELF team will be in touch.

JELF's donors make a meaningful difference in the lives of Jewish students pursuing higher education. Thank you for your consideration.