About MJFLA:

Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association (MJFLA) is an interest-free, non-profit organization that has been offering alternative financial solutions to people of all faiths in Southeastern Wisconsin since 2009. MJFLA’s revolving loan fund is entirely supported by members of the community through private donations. With a 99.6% repayment rate, MJFLA recycles funds again and again to make more loans.  MJFLA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation and a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans (IAJFL).

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Our Mission:

Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association, inspired by Jewish values, empowers people with temporary financial needs to achieve their goals by offering interest-free loans on a non-sectarian basis.

Vision Statement:

Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association sees a future in which members of the community benefit from interest-free loans provided by a community-supported revolving loan fund.

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History:

MJFLA was founded by Ginny Gendelman in 2009. After researching all the agencies of the International Association of Hebrew Free Loans (now International Association of Jewish Free Loans), developing the necessary documents and systems with Lynne Pearson and help from other community members, and acquiring 501(c)3 status, a meeting was held with 36 community members at the home of Linda and Dan Bader. Six couples and one anonymous donor provided the money to establish the initial loan fund (see "FOUNDERS" on this page). Moshe and Debra Katz provided office space in their building, where MJFLA is still housed today. The original board of directors was established, including Lynne Pearson as the first board president, along with Rodney Bourrage, Kathy Gridley, Moshe Katz, Jamie Miller, and Kathy Wheatley, and the first loan was made in November 2009. Over time, MJFLA has grown from one fund to 16 named funds, and from an initial balance of $60,000 to over $1,069,000 in 2025. MJFLA remains an accredited member of the IAJFL, maintaining a 99.6% repayment rate and leading the U.S. member agencies in percentage of assets out in the community for multiple years. To date, MJFLA has loaned over $2.7 million across 877+ loans.

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Hours of Operation:

MJFLA is generally available (via telephone, email, text, and chat) to offer assistance Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ​and Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or one hour before sundown (whichever is earlier).

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MJFLA Office Holidays*

Shabbat (every Friday night/Saturday)

New Year’s Day

Passover (first and last days) - April 2 - April 3, 2026, and April 8 - April 9, 2026.

Easter

Memorial Day

Independence Day - Observed July 3, 2026

Labor Day

Shavuot (first day) - May 22, 2026

Rosh Hashanah (first two days) - September 12 - 13, 2026

Yom Kippur - September 21, 2026

Sukkot (first day and Shemini Atzeret) - September 26, 2026, and October 3, 2026

Thanksgiving Day (and Friday - 2 days)

Christmas

 *All Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the night before, including Shabbat.

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SMS Messaging:

By submitting any MJFLA application or donation form, calling 414-961-1500, emailing info@MJFLA.org, or using the website chat to contact MJFLA, you are opting in to receive SMS messages from MJFLA. You may choose to opt out by replying STOP to unsubscribe at any time.

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Accreditation:

MJFLA has been an accredited member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans since 2009.

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Financial Information:

Click here for the latest financial highlights.

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Stay in the Loop:

Click here to join our newsletter and mailing list.