Capital Projects
Gottesman Capital Expansion Grants
With generous support from The Gottesman Fund, Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) has created a new $15 million fund over the next three years for Capital Expansion Grants, focusing on three major areas of capital needs for both day and overnight nonprofit Jewish camps:
- Staff Housing and Spaces
- Program Spaces and Infrastructure
- Camper Bunks/Home Bases
Please submit your interest form by January 31st, 2025 to be considered for round 1 of grants. FJC will send an invitation for a full application to qualifying camps.
Building Loan Program
The FJC Building Loan Program funds renovation and construction projects that expand camper capacity or upgrade accommodations or facilities. Our interest-free loans provide camps with access to cash to cover short-term capital expenses, typically while fundraising pledges are being paid out over multiple years. These loans enable a shorter turnaround time to start capital improvements.
To be considered for the next round of loans, please read the full program details.
Deadline Extended! We are now accepting Preliminary Applications until Thursday, October 10.
Building Loan Program FAQs
How is this loan different from other loans?
The interest-free loan program provides an alternative to a private building loan (e.g., from a bank), helping camps to save money on interest and legal fees (especially when interest rates are high).
how large are the loans?
Loans will only cover up to 50 percent of a project’s cost. The maximum FJC loan amount is $1 million and the minimum FJC loan amount is $250,000. Loan amount is also based on the size of the camp. (A “project” can be a portion of a larger capital project or several capital improvements bundled together.)
What is Required from camps?
Camps are required to fill out a preliminary application to see if the project and camp is eligible for consideration. If selected to move forward, camps will be required to complete a full application with financial and board disclosures which will be reviewed by FJC to determine viability. Approved camps will then move to the final phase, the closing process, including signed agreements and a letter of credit.
The loan is a five-year loan with twenty equal payments. Camps are required to submit payments on time and in full. Camps are also required to provide data to FJC on an annual basis for reporting in addition to participating in the Camp Census and the Camper Satisfaction Insight survey.
(Note: Interest-free loans will not be available for camps with existing mortgages or liens, and camps cannot take out a mortgage before repaying the FJC building loan in full.)
Questions? Contact Margot at margot.yecies@jewishcamp.org
The program is funded by the Maimonides Fund and is administered by FJC.