Atlanta Jewish Foundation Impact Story
April 20, 2026
For many students, getting into college is only the first step. Staying there – and graduating without overwhelming financial burden – is the real challenge.
Since 1961, the Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) has helped meet that challenge head-on, providing more than $26 million in interest-free loans to Jewish students pursuing higher education and career training.
Today, that impact continues to grow.
This past year alone, JELF loaned over $2.3 million to nearly 500 students – helping them stay in school and move forward with confidence. These “last-dollar” loans fill critical gaps after all other aid is exhausted, ensuring students don’t have to rely on high-interest debt or put their education on hold.
And when those loans are repaid, the funds are recycled to support the next student. It’s a powerful, sustainable cycle – one that turns generosity into opportunity, again and again.
Breaking Boundaries
JELF serves Jewish students from across Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Recipients come from a wide range of circumstances – single-parent households, immigrant families, families facing illness, job-related challenges, and special needs, among many others.
According to JELF’s student applicants, 31% of Jewish families have a household income of under $50K. The Jewish community is not immune to debt or hardship.
Eli, who studied computer science at the University of Georgia, shared:
“My sister and I would not be where we are today without the help of the Jewish community and organizations such as JELF. I plan on donating to JELF when I am successful and financially able so that I can help students like myself who go through similar struggles and financial barriers.”
Emma, who studied Human Developmental Counseling at Vanderbilt University reflected: “Growing up in a single parent household with two younger sisters and working three jobs at a time, I was always worried about being able afford to chase my dream job. However, because of the aid I received from JELF I have been able to pursue a degree in counseling. I never could have imagined being where I am today, but thanks to JELF, I’ve broken boundaries I previously thought impossible. I am eager to begin paying it forward.”
These stories are at the heart of JELF’s mission – and a powerful reminder that every loan is more than financial support. It’s an investment in a future leader.
Giving Others a Leg Up
For Chief Development Officer Josh Schaier, who recently marked a decade with JELF, that impact is both measurable and deeply motivating.
“We’ve grown quite a bit in a decade, helping more students get to college and working non-stop trying to raise money to give away.”
Josh attributes that growth to JELF’s focused mission. “We do one thing and we do it very well. We really are narrow.”
JELF’s work is powered by a community of donors – including many Atlanta Jewish Foundation Donor-Advised Fund holders – who believe in the value of education and the importance of giving others a leg up. “Our donors care about higher education. They see the value that a college degree has today to get a job, to learn critical thinking, and become independent.”
Many donors also see their own journeys reflected in the students they support, remembering the people who helped them along the way.
And over time, that support comes full circle. Today, 30% of JELF’s Board members are former loan recipients themselves – a powerful example of impact that extends far beyond graduation.
“It keeps me excited and energized when I can meet someone who’s very successful and they realize that JELF is part of that and they want to pay it forward.” Josh shares.
A Growing Opportunity to Do More
As JELF’s impact grows, so does the demand. With student loan debt at an all time high ($38K on average), each year more students turn to JELF to help bridge the gap between financial aid and the true cost of education.
The need is increasing – but so is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
With continued community support, JELF can reach more students and provide deeper support – ensuring more young Jewish people can graduate with less financial stress and greater opportunity ahead.
You can support students like Eli and Emma today.
Recommend a grant to JELF through your Donor-Advised Fund portal and help open doors for the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Get Involved
Want to see this impact up close and connect with the JELF community?
JELF on the Rocks
May 6 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Intown
This complimentary event brings together Atlanta’s next generation of leaders, connectors, and community-builders for a relaxed evening with real impact. Appetizers and beverages will be served.
