Economic Opportunity Start-Up Business Loans of up to $15,000 are available to members of the Jewish community.  These loans have a small administrative fee. Loan applicants must have a business plan leading to financial enhancement or independence.

Educational Loans of up to $7,500 are available to members of the Jewish community.  These loans are granted to assist with the expenses of post-secondary education and are restricted to programs offered by institutions approved by the Ministry of Education.  Since TJFLC educational loans are intended to supplement existing scholarship assistance programs, all educational loan applicants must show proof of application to the applicable government-supplied student financial aid program or programs.

Personal Loans of up to $5,000 are available to members of the Jewish community, to assist persons during temporary times of need.  TJFLC will also assist needy and qualifying individuals with loans of up to $5,000 to assist with the expenses of Jewish Life Cycle events.

TJFLC gives loans for a multitude of purposes, but our focus is singular. We have a communal responsibility to the completion of Tikun Olam by assisting people to become independent and self-sufficient.

Contact us at freeloan@ujafed.org or (416) 635-1217 with your specific loan questions.

If you are a needy member of the Jewish community who resides in the Greater Toronto area, call our office at (416) 635-1217 to enquire about our loan programs. We will explain our lending criteria to you and determine your specific need. If you qualify for one of our interest-free loans and wish to proceed with the application process, please visit our office and provide satisfactory personal identification, including photo identification. A member of our staff will assist you with completion of the loan documents, including an application form, guarantor forms and a promissory note. You may also be asked to produce documentation to support the loan request. Upon return of all necessary paperwork, you will be advised of the next available interview date.

About the interview: Your interview will take place in our offices with our qualified volunteer interviewers.  The interview generally takes 20 minutes, with the aim of a friendly informative dialogue between the applicant and the interviewers.

After the interview: Our volunteer board and committee members meet with the interviewers to discuss each application.  As cases are presented, decisions are made and recorded. Applicants are advised to call our offices at (416) 635-1217 the day following the meeting for the results.

What to do once your loan has been approved: Once your loan has been approved, client and guarantor information will be verified by TJFLC staff.  This process includes speaking to the guarantors involved with your loan.  In this way, they understand their responsibility and potential liability.

When we are satisfied that all parties are aware of their responsibilities to TJFLC, your loan cheque will be available for pickup.  Our staff will advise you of the dates, payment amounts and monthly schedule for repayment of your loan by automatic debit from your bank account.