Foundation’s Academic Scholarship Application Period Starts April 1

Applications for the 2023 academic scholarship program will be available at the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies’ website starting April 1, announced Lenore J. Levy, Chair of the Foundation’s Academic Scholarship and Loan Committee. Academic scholarships are awarded in the form of grants or interestfree loans to Jewish students who have attended high school in Erie or Niagara counties and are determined based on applicants documented financial need. The scholarships enable applicants to pursue their studies in accredited colleges, universities, or institutions. Students may choose any concentration that their inspiration, talents and abilities may justify.

Beginning April 1 through June 1, prospective scholarship beneficiaries may submit applications and supporting documentation to be considered for the upcoming academic year beginning in August or September 2023. After the June 1 submission deadline, all applications will be delivered to Jewish Family Services of WNY’s Career Services Department for consideration.

JFS’s Career Services’ professional staff will review all applications and interview each qualifying applicant. By late July, JFS counselors’ opinions will be presented to the Academic Scholarship and Loan Committee anonymously to ensure unbiased reviews and determinations are made. In early August, the Committee will convene to consider and award the scholarships, grants, and interest free loans. Ultimately, the Foundation will inform each student candidate by late August.

The Foundation’s academic scholarship and financial assistance program was created more than a century ago with endowments by generous donors who preserved their legacy by financially supporting students’ education for future generations. Since 2000, the Committee has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants and $475,000 in interest-free loans to hundreds of Jewish students who meet eligibility criteria. “The Committee is comprised of inspired volunteers from the Buffalo Jewish community who take their responsibilities seriously.” Levy explained. “They dedicate a lot of time and effort to the application review and award process.” For information on the Foundation’s academic scholarship and financial assistance programs, eligibility and criteria, and donors, and to access an application, visit jewishphilanthropies. org/academic-scholarships.

For information about creating an endowment for academic scholarships, contact Irv Levy, Executive Director or Lorne Steinhart, Senior Manager of Client Relations at 716-204-1133 or email info@jewishphilanthropies.org