ABOUT THE HUG FUND
The HUG Fund was established by Jewish Federation Los Angeles to support families affected by the January 2025 L.A. wildfires. Its purpose is to provide eligible families a 50% reduction in tuition for both Jewish early childhood centers (ECCs) that are affiliated with Builders of Jewish Education (BJE) and California Jewish overnight summer camps.
The fund specifically aims to:
- Help impacted families maintain access to Jewish educational and camp experiences during a challenging time
- Provide meaningful financial relief to families who lost homes, had uninhabitable homes, or experienced significant business/employment loss due to the fires
- Support the continued enrollment and stability of Jewish educational institutions affected by the wildfires
- Ensure children can remain connected to their Jewish communities despite the disruption caused by the fires
- Welcome new families who may be exploring Jewish early childhood education or overnight camps for the first time
Beyond helping current participants maintain their connection to Jewish early childhood education and overnight camps, the fund creates an accessible pathway for new families to discover the rich traditions and community that Jewish educational experiences offer. Eligible families can receive tuition reductions for the 2025-26 school year at BJE-affiliated early childhood centers and/or for summer 2025 at California Jewish overnight camps.
No, the HUG Fund welcomes both currently enrolled families and new families who haven’t previously participated in Jewish early childhood education or overnight camps. If you’re considering a Jewish ECC or overnight camp for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to join our community with substantial tuition support.
ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible if your family’s home has been deemed lost or uninhabitable, you have completely lost your business, or you have permanently lost your job as a direct result of the wildfires.
On a case-by-case basis, those who have other unique situations may be eligible. Please email HUG@JewishLA.org to discuss if you are unsure.
The HUG form will ask you to upload a document showing your impacted address. This could include:
- Insurance claim documentation
- FEMA application or correspondence
- Official notification from authorities regarding evacuation or damage assessment
- Proof of residence at an impacted address (utility bill, lease/mortgage document, driver’s license, etc.)
- Proof of connection to business or employment loss (insurance claim, letter of employment, etc.)
The verification process is designed to be straightforward while ensuring the funds reach those directly affected by the January 2025 L.A. wildfires.
COVERAGE & BENEFITS
No, the HUG fund only applies to Jewish programs. The Jewish early childhood center must be affiliated with Builders of Jewish Education (BJE). Please visit BJELA.org for a full list. The Jewish overnight summer camp must be in California.
APPLICATION PROCESS
FINDING THE RIGHT PROGRAM
Please contact Rachel Kaplan at Rachel@JKidLA.org for help finding an ECC or overnight summer camp.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
For questions about HUG Fund eligibility criteria and verification documentation requirements, please email HUG@JewishLA.org. For questions about enrollment, tuition, or the specific application process at your chosen center or camp, please contact that organization directly. This approach ensures you receive accurate information from the appropriate source.