Jewish Assistance Fund Financial Assistance Grants

The Jewish Assistance Fund provides immediate financial assistance grants with no repayment requirement to Jewish individuals and families in Western Pennsylvania experiencing financial hardship.

Geographic Scope: Western Pennsylvania (48 zip codes served)

Funder: Jewish Assistance Fund, a 501(c)(3) independent non-profit organization founded in 1985

Mission: Provide immediate financial assistance, without expectation of repayment, to Jewish people in Western Pennsylvania who have limited resources and are in need of emergency support.

Focus Areas

Grants are available for pressing/emergency expenses including:

• Food & clothing
• Housing
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Medical necessities (medical bills, prescriptions, dentures, hearing aids)
• Dental work
• Past due debts

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL criteria:

• Live in Western Pennsylvania
• Be Jewish or have someone in household who is Jewish
• Experiencing financial challenges/difficulty paying bills
• Have pressing/emergency/immediate financial needs
• Have limited resources

Application Process

• Applications reviewed weekly throughout the year
• Meetings held by appointment only
• Response time: typically within 1 week of initial contact
• All inquiries are confidential

Frequency

• Generally, grants are considered 1 time per year
• During challenging times, people may reapply every 6 months
• Extenuating circumstances are always considered

Contact Information

• Phone: 412.521.3237
• Website: jewishassistancefund.org/inquiry
• Email: Info@JAFPGH.org
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8197, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
• Executive Director: Cindy Goodman-Leib (Cindy@JewishAssistanceFund.org)

Organization Details

• Founded: 1985
• Status: Active, 501(c)(3) non-profit
• 2025 Impact: Provided $313,221.47 in emergency financial aid to 354 individuals across 48 zip codes
• Volunteer grantors meet with applicants weekly
• Located at JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry

What is NOT Funded

The website does not explicitly state what is excluded, but focus is limited to basic necessities and pressing expenses.

How to Apply for Financial Assistance

1. Initial Contact
   • Call: 412.521.3237
   • Visit website: jewishassistancefund.org/inquiry
   • Send message through website contact form
   • Email: Info@JAFPGH.org
2. Phone Application
   • Staff will call you back after you leave a message
   • Discuss your financial situation privately and confidentially
   • Complete a phone application if eligible
3. Application Review
   • JAF volunteers review applications weekly
   • All inquiries remain confidential
4. In-Person Appointment
   • If eligible, appointment scheduled to meet with JAF Grantors
   • Meetings held BY APPOINTMENT ONLY in JAF office
   • JAF Appointment Coordinator provides exact location when appointment is scheduled
   • Free parking available in lot in front of building
   • Accessible by bus
5. Timeline
   • JAF responds to all inquiries and meets with eligible applicants weekly throughout the year
   • Typical response within 1 week of initial contact
   • Quick decision and payment process

Required Information

• First name
• Last name
• Email
• Phone number
• Street address
• City, state, zip code
• Nature of financial need (can select multiple: Transportation, Medical, Dental, Housing, Utilities, Food & Clothing)
• Details about financial situation and pressing expenses

Application Format

• Phone interview
• In-person appointment with volunteer grantors
• No written essay or formal application document mentioned
• Confidential discussion of financial circumstances

Important Notes

• No repayment required - This is a grant, not a loan
• All information is kept confidential
• Extenuating circumstances are considered
• If you cannot attend scheduled appointment, call to cancel: 412.521.3237
• Services are provided with dignity and respect