Shidduch Incentive Program

STAR-K's Shidduch Incentive Program offered a cash gift to shadchanim (matchmakers) who successfully matched Orthodox single women.

Geographic Scope: Baltimore, Maryland (local program with worldwide impact)

Focus Areas: Jewish community support; addressing the Orthodox singles crisis

Award Details:

• Initial award: $2,500 per successful match
• Effective January 1, 2010, shadchanim had to receive a minimum shadchanus fee of $1,500 paid by the choson (groom) and kallah (bride) or their families to qualify for the STAR-K award
• Program paid out $367,000 total to those who successfully arranged shidduchim for 152 local women over its 5-year run

Eligibility: Shadchanim matching Orthodox single women by Chanukah (initial deadline was 2009)

Background: A local attempt at remedying the universal Orthodox singles problem in Baltimore that had widespread impact and became motivating factor in matching single Orthodox women around the world.