Question 1

What is a Gemach?

Accepted Answer

A Gemach is a Hebrew term for an interest-free loan fund. The concept originated years ago from the Torah's prohibition on charging interest to fellow Jews. A Gemach provides dignified financial assistance — recipients borrow what they need and repay it on flexible terms, with zero interest. When the loan is repaid, the same money is loaned out again to the next person in need.

Question 2

How is this different from regular charity?

Accepted Answer

The Chofetz Chaim teaches that an interest-free loan is the highest form of charity because it preserves the recipient's dignity. Also, unlike a one-time donation that gets spent once, your contribution to a Gemach recycles perpetually — the same dollars help person after person, year after year. It's a form of giving that continues helping others.

Question 3

Where does my money go?

Accepted Answer

Your donation goes into an interest-free loan fund in the category you choose. Those funds are placed with established gemach organizations that make the loans and collect the repayments. We take no commission. The only amount deducted is the card processing fee, and you can choose to cover that at checkout so the fund receives your full gift.

Question 4

Can I see how my money is being used?

Accepted Answer

We ask the organizations that receive these funds to report back on how the money was lent — how many loans were made and what needs they covered — and we pass that on to fund creators as it comes in.

Question 5

How do I set up a fund?

Accepted Answer

Click 'Start a Fund,' choose whether it's in memory of someone who has passed, in honor of someone living, or for a simcha such as a bar mitzvah or upsherin. Share their story, pick a loan category that reflects their values, and set a goal. You'll receive a shareable link to send to family, friends, and community. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.

Question 6

Can I donate in someone's honor or memory without creating a full campaign?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! On our 'Give Now' page, you can make a one-time donation of any amount (even $18) and dedicate it in memory of, in honor of, or as a gift for someone. The honoree or their family will receive a beautiful notification email about your dedication.

Question 7

What categories of loans do you support?

Accepted Answer

Our partner network currently covers these categories: Medical Expenses, Wedding Assistance, Education & Tuition, Widows & Orphans, Credit Card Debt Relief, Rabbis and Teachers, Housing & Rent, New Baby Assistance, and a General Gemach Fund. Each category is managed by partner organizations that specialize in that area. We are always looking for new partners and fund ideas and welcome your suggestions and feedback.

Question 8

How are borrowers vetted?

Accepted Answer

We don't lend directly. The organizations that receive these funds run their own review process, which usually means looking at a borrower's income and ability to repay, and often asking for a guarantor — someone who agrees to cover the loan if the borrower can't. Standards vary, and each organization lends according to its own criteria and its own community.

Question 9

What happens after I create a fund?

Accepted Answer

Once live, you receive a shareable link. As donations come in, you'll see real-time progress on your fund's page. Most funds run with no end date — the money keeps recycling either way. We transfer the funds to your selected partner organization, ask them to report back on how the money was lent, and pass that on to you as it comes in.

Question 10

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standing Room Only Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity (EIN 41-4732213). Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, and you'll get an emailed receipt after every donation for your records. Your own tax adviser is the right person to confirm how it applies to your situation.

Question 11

What does '1/3 of maaser' mean?

Accepted Answer

The Chofetz Chaim, in his work Ahavas Chesed, teaches that one-third of a person's annual tithing (maaser) should go specifically to interest-free lending (Gemach). This is one of the least-known obligations in Jewish giving — and one of the most impactful.

Question 12

Can I give from a donor-advised fund (DAF) or by check?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Log in to your DAF sponsor (such as Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Jewish Communal Fund, or UJA) and recommend a grant to Standing Room Only Foundation, Inc., EIN 41-4732213, noting the fund you want to support. Checks are payable to Standing Room Only Foundation, Inc. The mailing address and full instructions are on the Give Now page under "Other ways to give."

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers