Someone who:

• > Is Jewish or resides in a Jewish household.
• > Is at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• > Is a current resident of Greater Cincinnati or nearby communities (minimum 12-month residency required).
• > Is a US citizen or legal resident.
• > Can demonstrate creditworthiness and the ability to repay a loan (monthly income exceeds the amount of loan repayment).
• > Is not currently a co-signer on another Hebrew Free Loan or CJIFL promissory note.
• > Is not in or considering bankruptcy.
• > Can provide co-signer(s), depending on the size of the loan, who meet all the requirements.
• > Can provide suitable references.
• > Requests a loan that meets the program requirements.
• > Is not in collections with the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (JFC).
• > Can complete and sign the application and promissory note along with the co-signer(s) and participate in a phone or face-to-face interview with the JFC staff and/or endowment committee.
• > Has the appropriate guarantors. Guarantors are required for ALL CJIFL loans. Your spouse or significant other may not be your guarantor. A minimum of one guarantor is required, and two guarantors (not married to each other) are normally required for loans over $2,500. Your application will not be complete until your guarantors submit their guarantor applications.

Refer to the FAQs section to review the guarantor requirements.

• > Personal Loans (not to exceed $10,000)
  • > Available to those who lack the resources to meet a variety of financial needs for themselves or family members.
  • > Loans include but are not limited to: adoption/infertility, car purchase or repair, celebrations/Simchas, down payment for first time home buyers, educational needs, funeral expenses, home repair or remodeling, medical or dental health needs, moving expenses, taxes, or temporary unemployment.
• > Small business Loans (not to exceed $10,000)
  • > Available to those who wish to start, expand, or purchase commercial enterprises located in Cincinnati.
  • > Applicant must demonstrate the viability of the business.
  • > Current credit report must be provided or obtained.
  • > Application requirements may be at the discretion of the committee (a business plan and past financials or financial projections are required as part of the application process and a meeting with the endowment/loan committee may be required).
• > Loans are NOT for debt consolidation, credit card debt repayment, or student loans, with the exception of technical retraining.