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Apply for a COVID-19 Emergency Response OR Traditional Siris Interest-Free Loan:

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1. Get started: Complete the intake form below.

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2. Consult with the JCF: Once your Pre-Screen Application has been submitted, you will hear back from the JCF within 48-business hours to learn if you qualify to apply.

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3. Complete a Full Loan Application: If you meet the pre-screen criteria, you will be sent a full application to complete and return for review by the JCF in conjunction with Jewish Family & Children's Service (JFCS) as outlined below. 

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For questions, please contact the JCF at 856-673-2528. 

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Additional Information about the JCF's Siris Interest-Free Loans:

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• Intake Process

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• ​Each applicant will consult with JFCS during the application process. 

• The JCF will need to verify each applicant's employment and place of residence.

• The JCF will need to contact each cosigner (guarantor) on the loan to verify that they understand that cosigners are responsible for the loan amount that is outstanding should the applicant default.

• Professionals working in Jewish communal service and/or persons who currently have a loan with the Fund may not serve as cosigners.

• Paperwork is completed and signed off by the JCF Executive Director.

• A check is cut and two signatures are secured to sign the check for the applicant.

• Individual(s) securing the loan and cosigners securing the loan sign completed paperwork.

• Monthly loan payments are made by the recipient as outlined in the loan agreement.

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• Notes about Loans

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• Applicant names will be kept confidential at all times.  ​

• Monthly statements are sent by the JCF to the recipient.

• All loans charge no interest or additional fees. 

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• About the Siris Fund 

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• In the early 1990s, a bequest was received by the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. (then known as the Bequest and Endowment Society) from the Estate of Fred Siris, establishing the Samuel Aaron and Rose Siris Free Loan Endowment Fund. 

 

• The fund was created "To provide interest-free loans (which must be repaid) to Jewish persons residing in Camden, Burlington, or Gloucester County who are faced with temporary financial hardship, but with assistance can become or remain self-supporting members of our community."

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• More specifically, "Loans will be provided to help individuals obtain academic, vocational, or professional training; start or expand small business enterprises; purchase an automobile if required for employment or training; or pay for emergency medical expenses and housing needs."

 

• The fund was established to help “working” individuals in difficult times. The cosigners must also be working. All parties must live in the tri-county area (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester Counties).

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• The maximum amount available for a loan is $2,500. 

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• In April 2020, the JCF began offering loans ranging from $500-$1,500 to alleviate emergencies due to COVID-19. 

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• Cosigner Requirements:

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• Cosigners must be residents of Camden, Burlington, or Gloucester County with stable employment and established credit, and, preferably should own their own home and be employed in a business or professional capacity.

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• Each cosigner must complete a Cosigner Information Form. If the loan is approved, each cosigner must sign the promissory note. By signing the promissory note, the cosigner is liable "jointly and severally" for the loan. This means that while we would expect each cosigner to share equally in the responsibility for repayment of the loan, any one cosigner could be called upon to repay the entire balance due. 

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