Federation's Hebrew Interest-free Loan Program
Funding Amount
Up to $7,500
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Federation's Hebrew Interest-free Loan Program
Tagline: No cost, no interest…changing lives one loan at a time!
Funder: Jewish Federation of Central New York
Geographic Scope: Central New York
Historical Background
Based on a program established in the late 19th century when members of small Jewish communities developed plans to help newly arrived Jews build new lives. Guided by the interest-free lending mandate in the Torah, these Hebrew Free Loan programs provided financial assistance to waves of Jewish immigrants and refugees. The Federation continues this tradition today.- Zero interest personal loans
- Up to $7,500 maximum
Award Amount
- Medical and dental bills
- Debt consolidation
- Small business loans
- Lifecycle events
- Family emergencies
- Car and home repair
- Camp fees
- School tuition and fees
- Adoption and fertility services
- Other temporary financial assistance needs
Eligible Uses
- Any Jewish person from Central New York
- Must be in need of temporary financial assistance
Eligibility
- Interest rate: 0% (zero interest)
- Payment schedule: Monthly payments begin one month after loan funds are disbursed
- Terms: Determined by Loan Committee in consultation with borrower
- Confidentiality: All information kept in strictest confidence
- Recycling: As loans are repaid, funds are recycled to make new loans
Loan Terms
- CFO Terry St. Amour
- Email: tstamour@jewishfederationcny.org
- Address: 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214-1234
- Phone: 315-445-0161
Contact
How to Apply
Application Process
1. Contact Federation CFO Terry St. Amour for more information
2. Complete application materials:
- Loan Form Packet
- Applicant Checklist
- Promissory Note
3. If applicable, obtain Cosigner Repayment Form
4. Submit to Loan Committee for review
5. Loan Committee meets with applicant to determine terms and payment schedule
- Completed Loan Form Packet
- Applicant Checklist
- Promissory Note
- Cosigner Repayment Form (if applicable)
Required Materials
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
Browse similar grants by category
Related Grants
Similar grants from this funder and related organizations
Professional Development Grants
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship
Amount
Varies
Deadline
May 15, 2026
Peter Chortek Leadership Award (PCLA)
Amount
$5,400 stipend plus $540 for Donor Advised Fund plus professional video
Deadline
January 31, 2027
Camp Shelanu Financial Aid
Amount
Varies
Deadline
January 10, 2027
Sam Stern Memorial Sabra Scholarship
Amount
2 weeks free camp tuition
Deadline
January 10, 2027
Jewish Women's Collective Response Fund
Amount
$25,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to apply for Federation's Hebrew Interest-free Loan Program?
Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.