Building Loan Program
Building Loan Program
FJC’s 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.
Preliminary Applications for 2025-2026 are now closed. Check back in late summer/early fall 2026 for more information on our 2026-2027 Preliminary Applications.
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% of a project’s cost.
The maximum FJC Building Loan amount is $1 million and the minimum amount is $250,000. Loan amounts are 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 closing phase, which includes 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 FJC’s annual Camp Census and the Camper/Staff Satisfaction Insight surveys.
(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.)
Additional requirements are outlined in the full program details.
Questions? Contact Margot Yecies at margot.yecies@jewishcamp.org
The program is generously funded by the Maimonides Fund and is administered by FJC.