May 26, 2009:  Jewish Federation mourns the loss of Milton Chasin, a pillar of our community and an inspiration to many.  The story below was written in 2007, when the Chasin Family established the micro-enterprise loan fund. 

Doris and Milton Chasin have a decades-long history of leadership and philanthropy in the Orange County and Los Angeles Jewish communities. Through their leadership and generosity, they have provided the inspiration and means by which Orange County businesspeople can now access Jewish free loans.

The Chasin Family Micro-Enterprise Loan Program was among the very first of Orange County's free loan programs to be launched. This program embodies the highest levels of tzedakah (charity as referenced by Maimonides) by providing individuals with the means to establish and/or grow their businesses, ultimately becoming self-sufficient, contributing members of the community.

This legacy of leadership, and a desire to involve others in building a flourishing community, led the Chasins to establish the Chasin Family Micro-Enterprise Loan Program with Jewish Federation.  In addition to their initial founding investment of $250,000, they have generously pledged to match $1 for every $2 raised from others, up to a total additional investment of $250,000 toward the goal of a $1 million micro-enterprise loan fund. In establishing the Chasin Family Micro-Enterprise Loan Program, and announcing the $1 for $2 challenge grant toward a $1 million goal, Doris and Milt Chasin are truly living the example of creative, entrepreneurial philanthropy.  “It’s all about encouraging others to step up and join us in a program that will help businesspeople at a critical juncture in their lives,” says Milt.  Concludes Doris, “We know that this is what we leave behind, to carry on our beliefs and the work we hold so dear.”  To read the full story, click here.

To contribute matching funds toward the Chasin Family Micro-Enterprise Loan Challenge Grant, click here.

~ Chasin Family Micro-Enterprise Business Loan
~ Loans for full-time Jewish graduate students
~ Loans for teen summer progams in Israel
~ Loans for nursing education
~ Loans for tuition assistance for full-time Jewish graduate students of law and/or medicine
~ Loans to Jewish full-time graduate students of the arts
~ Loans to Jewish communal service graduate students
~ Loans for tuition at Jewish sleep-away camps
~ Loans for short-term home health care
~ Loans to accounting students 
~ Loans to assist Jewish adults undergoing fertility treatments or incurring adoption expenses
~ Loans to full-time undergraduate Jewish students
~ Loans to full-time students of psychology or business administration
~ Loans to assist families of children with autism and special needs
~ Emergency loans to assist with mortgage payment, minor medical or dental expenses, or car repair

For more information on obtaining a Jewish Free Loan
call (949) 435-FIND or email assist@jfoc.org.