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Yes, JELF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, therefore all monetary donations to JELF are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Certain donations in which a donor receives a good or service (such as food at an event) in return for a donation are not tax deductible or may only be partially deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor if you have questions about a deduction. JELF’s Tax ID or EIN number is 58-0568686.

All donations to JELF are used to help deserving Jewish students pursue higher education. A small portion of these funds are used to meet our operating expenses. Each year JELF’s Board of Director and Finance Committee allocate a specific dollar amount to be lent based on JELF’s income for the prior fiscal year.  Since our admissions process for students is cyclical (vs. rolling), it is imperative that we plan accordingly in order to best ration our 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 here for detailed financial information.

Charity Navigator Rating: Our Five-Star Rating highlights our dedication to managing donations responsibly.

• Email Notification: If you choose to notify the individual via email, they will receive an automatic notification through JELF’s donor form.
• Mail Notification: If you opt for a mailed card, JELF will send it within 1–3 business days.

If you suspect that the notification has not been received, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist.

JELF has over 1,000 donors annually.  Individuals from Atlanta make up a large percentage of overall donors, but JELF also receives a wide range of donations from around its five-state region and outside of its boundaries, especially through its alumni.  Donors from South Florida currently make up approximately 15% of the total amount raised. Former recipients comprise 10% of the overall donor base, a number which continues to grow each year.

While the average gift is $1,100 per constituent, many donors contribute far more and far less each year.  Some donors choose to lock in their gift through monthly or quarterly payments and other donors Sponsor a Student by committing to their gift over a four-year period.

JELF achieves a 99% repayment rate through a combination of strategies:

• 0% Interest Loans: We provide interest-free loans, easing the financial burden on students.
• Graduated Repayment Plan: Our repayment plan starts with smaller payments that gradually increase, aligning with students’ growing earning potential.
• Personalized Support: We offer 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.

JELF serves students across a five-state region: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia (excluding metro DC).

Major Markets:

• Atlanta
• South Florida: Includes Miami-Dade, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach

Other Areas:

• 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.

See the 2021 – 2023 applicant listing by community for more details.

Loan allocation decisions are made through an anonymous and confidential process and led by volunteer reviewers, who are JELF board members and donors. All of JELF’s applications are reviewed individually which means that different students receive different loans amounts from JELF based on their personal situation and financial story.

JELF’s mission is to provide interest-free loans to Jewish students. We achieve this through three main funding sources:

• Repayments from Borrowers: Our strong 99% repayment rate ensures that funds are recycled effectively to support new applicants.
• Donations: Generous contributions from donors and community supporters help sustain our mission and enable us to offer loans without interest.
• Investment Earnings: The principle and earnings from JELF’s investment fund, established from the sale of the 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. We reach out through a wide network of over 3,500 contacts, including:

• Jewish agencies
• Synagogues
• Jewish Federations
• JCCs (Jewish Community Centers)
• JFS/JFCS (Jewish Family Services)
• Jewish youth groups
• Hillel
• Chabad

Additionally, we focus on marketing beyond the Jewish community, connecting with 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 about JELF. If you’d like to assist in our outreach efforts, please let us know through our Contact Us form.

JELF is dedicated to staying connected with our alumni and enhancing engagement. Our Alumni Committee, which meets quarterly, drives these efforts.

We offer various opportunities for former recipients to:

• Provide Feedback: Through surveys and one-on-one discussions.
• Share Their Stories: Submit JELFies—short stories or videos showcasing their experiences.
• Get Involved: Explore ways to contribute, access career guidance, and participate in our community.

Visit our alumni page for more information on how to stay engaged and give back.

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 us here to discuss these opportunities further.

For assistance with JELF donations, you can:

• Submit a Question: Reach out to a member of our development team using our online form.
• Call Us: Reach JELF’s office during business hours at 770-396-3080.

We’re here to help and look forward to assisting you!