A helping hand to those in need
Thanks to the generous support from gifts made to our United Jewish Appeal campaign, the Federation is able to provide a helping hand to those in need. Jewish Edmontonians can apply for a bursary or an interest-free loan depending on their circumstances.
Integrated Bursary Program
Jewish Federation of Edmonton helps ensure that no child or family is denied Jewish experiences due to financial difficulty.
The Integrated Bursary Program (IBP) was created to make the process of applying for a bursary more dignified, anonymous, effective, and fair. All the schools, programs and services covered by bursaries are on one application form and are adjudicated by a committee with representatives from each local Jewish organization. All applications are kept anonymous to the committee members.
There are limited funds and this program is intended to assist the most vulnerable. Those families that do not have the financial resources to pay full fees will be considered for a bursary.
2026 Application Process
Step 1: Register your children in the desired program(s)
Step 2: Submit your application for IBP support
Step 3: Those applicants requesting $10,000 or more in bursary support are required to make an appointment with a Jewish Family Services outreach worker. Please contact Liron Shteynpres, outreach case manager by email at lirons@jfse.org or by phone at 780-454-1194, ext. 237.
Deadline to apply: April 15
Jewish Free Loan Association Edmonton
Are you facing an urgent financial need? The Jewish Free Loan Association helps people by offering zero interest, zero fee personal and business loans with no collateral, just a qualified guarantor. The amount you borrow is the amount you repay.
Loan categories include micro loans ($100 - $500), emergency loans up to $1,000 for immediate needs such as food, clothing or shelter, and loans up to a maximum of $5,000.
Loans are granted to Jewish residents of Edmonton for a range of purposes including:
- Financial challenges
- New careers
- Further education within Alberta
- Financing a life-cycle event
- Starting a family
- Assistance with the purchase of a car or computer for work or school
- Dental or medical expenses
- Family emergencies
- Or for individuals who require a financial boost, or are simply having difficulty making ends meet.
Strict confidentiality will be maintained.
Eligibility Requirements
Who is eligible for a loan?
- Jewish
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Currently living in Edmonton, Alberta
- 18 years of age or older
- Demonstrate a need for loan and ability to repay the loan
What are the loan categories?
- Maximum loan up to $5,000
- One qualified Jewish Guarantor required (maximum loan of $2,000)
- Two qualified Jewish Guarantors required (maximum loan of $5,000)
How do I apply for a loan?
Download and fully complete the application forms, or request application forms from the Jewish Federation of Edmonton.
Email the completed application to jewishfreeloan@edjfed.org or deliver to Jewish Federation of Edmonton.
What is a Guarantor and who is eligible to be a Guarantor?
A Guarantor is a person who agrees to pay back your loan in full if you do not meet your obligation to fully repay the loan.
Guarantor eligibility requirements:
- Reside in Alberta
- 18 years of age or older
- Jewish
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Cannot be current Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) borrower or Guarantor on current JFLA loans
- Married couples and common-law partners will be considered as one Guarantor
- Demonstrate financial ability to repay the loan in the event of default
- Cannot be a rabbi or cantor
- Act as a Guarantor in a personal, not professional, capacity
What is the loan process?
- Application review by the JFLA committee
- Interview with loan committee members
- Evaluation by the JFLA loan committee
- Notified of approval or rejection
- Guarantors will be contacted
If the loan is approved:
- Submit relevant outstanding documentation.
- A staff member of Jewish Federation will contact you to drop off post-dated cheques and receive your loan disbursement.
- Repayment term is 24 months. Payments begin one month after you receive the loan, and thereafter equal monthly payments until the loan has been fully repaid.
"There was no support to reach out to so I reached out to my Jewish community who referred me to the Free Loan Association. Through the years I found myself taking small steps and then the ability to reclaim my dignity and stand on my feet with the aid and direction of the Free Loan Association."
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This loan has saved me from a scenario one couldn’t imagine. The process was smooth, confidential, and ever so quick. I am grateful that we have this available to members of the Jewish community."
"I have become successful in my work and have now decided to begin my own online business presence. I remain in deep gratitude for their immense patience, concern and dedication to my well-being. I endorse anyone feeling isolated, desperate, and alone to reach out just one more time and connect with the Free Loan Association. Success is obtainable."
Together, we strengthen community
Please join us in supporting the community through the 2025-26 UJA campaign. Your gift ensures Jewish life thrives today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
