Financial Assistance
As part of our commitment to inclusion, TBA never wants financial hardship to prevent anyone from fully participating in congregational life. There are two ways we can assist families with demonstrated financial needs.
Direct Support
Our Clergy Discretionary Funds can be used to assist members in crisis. This can include but is not limited to help with making a mortgage or rent payment, paying utility or medical bills, or other unaffordable household expenses that threaten a member’s health and welfare. Please contact Rabbi Pokras or Rabbi Weiss directly if your family is in crisis.
Financial Assistance for Membership Dues and Machane TBA Tuition
Each year, the Board of Directors empowers the Financial Aid Committee to allocate assistance for families who demonstrate financial need. Guided by our Jewish values, we are committed to both thoughtful decision-making and a respectful, supportive experience for every applicant.Our Role in the Process
- Kehillah – Community:
We ensure that financial need does not stop anyone from participating in our community. - Kavod – Honor:
We preserve anonymity and privacy when making decisions, without knowing who is applying for aid. - Achrayut – Responsibility:
We allocate funds carefully based on demonstrated need within a limited budget. - Tzedek – Fairness and Equity:
We use a consistent, equitable process to make all financial aid decisions. - Pashtut – Simplicity:
We streamline and simplify the application process using technology whenever possible.
Your Role in the Process
- Kehillah – Community:
Your financial challenges will never prevent you from being part of Temple Beth Ami. - Kavod – Honor:
Your privacy and dignity are protected at every step; your information remains confidential. - Achrayut – Responsibility:
You will share your financial situation honestly, so that together we can sustain a strong and caring community. - Tzedek – Fairness and Equity:
Your application will be considered fairly, using a consistent, transparent process. - Pashtut – Simplicity:
You will experience an application process that is clear and accessible.
We are committed to supporting members experiencing financial hardship. To ensure we can fairly assist all those in need and manage our aid budget responsibly, our process has changed this year. Even if you’ve received aid in the past, please review the updated guidelines below:
- Application Deadline: All financial aid applications are due by July 15, 2025. We are working with a limited budget and need to allocate our funding based on the uncertain economic climate in the DC area. Applications submitted after 7/15 will be treated on a by exception basis only.
- Monthly Payment Policy: All members are now required to set up equal monthly payments from July 2025 through June 2026. We strongly encourage financial aid applicants to begin making monthly payments based on the amount they are requesting to pay. If you prefer to wait for your financial aid decision before setting up payments, you are welcome to do so —but you will need to establish your full payment plan within one week of receiving your decision.
- Notification of Awards: Decisions on applications submitted by the deadline will be shared no later than September 1, 2025.
We understand that many in our community are facing new financial pressures, particularly due to federal job losses and economic uncertainty. Please assess your actual need carefully when applying, so we can equitably support as many congregants as possible.
Please note:
- All congregants requesting financial aid are required to fill out the financial aid request form each year to ensure an equitable and informed decision is made for each applicant.
- Your name and other personal identifying information will be removed before the Financial Aid Committee reviews your application to ensure your anonymity.
- All correspondence and questions should be sent to FinAid@bethami.org.