Interest-free loans up to $20,000
Get help with projects or purchases that increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, protect the climate, and/or reduce waste. Individuals, small business owners,* and Jewish organizations* can apply for environmental loans to help with the cost of:
- Clean energy projects
- Drought resistant landscaping and water conservation
- Energy efficient transportation
Loans might be used to to install solar panels or battery storage, buy an electric car or install an electric vehicle charging stations, get double-paned windows, recycle graywater, replace inefficient appliances, and more.
Hebrew Free Loan of San Francisco is launching this program in the spirit of two Jewish values, tikkun olam (repairing the world) and shmirat ha-adamah (care of the earth), to help address climate change and environmental destruction. We’re determined to improve people’s lives and the world, one interest-free loan at a time.
As with all our loan programs, these environmental loans are need-based. Their purpose is to provide gap funding that makes it possible for applicants to move forward with their projects.
* Small business owners and Jewish organizations may be eligible for loans of up to $50K, as needed.
Questions? Contact Valerie at (415) 546-9902 x110 or info@hflasf.org.
Hebrew Free Loan’s Model
Hebrew Free Loan is based on principles found in the Torah, in which we are commanded not to derive personal benefit — i.e. not to charge interest — when we lend money to assist those in need. Click here to watch a short video about Parashat Mishpatim, the Torah section that contains these teachings.
We’ve proven the success of our model with a repayment rate of over 99.5%. That’s the beauty of interest-free lending. As loans are repaid, funds are recycled to make new loans. Many loan recipients also participate in our Full Circle Club, in which former borrowers pay forward the help they received by donating to Hebrew Free Loan to help the next person in need.
