The IsraelNow program fee is all-inclusive, including airfare. The Chicago area subsidized participant fee is $2,750. We can offer this significantly reduced rate thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters.

The actual cost of the trip is approximately $5,000 per teen. To assist families who cannot afford the $2,750 subsidized fee, we ask those who are financially able to consider paying as much of the actual trip cost of $5,000 as possible. 

Chicago’s IsraelNow program, in partnership with Jewish United Fund, offers the following:

• B’NAI MITZVAH JUF CERTIFICATE: Apply the teen’s JUF $120 B’nai Mitzvah Israel Experience Certificate.
• JUF SKIP PROGRAM: Teens enrolled in the JUF’s SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel Program) may use up to $500 of SKIP funds. To learn if you are enrolled in SKIP, please contact israelexperience@juf.org.
• NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIP: Families with greater financial need may apply for scholarship AFTER completing the IsraelNow application by clicking on the following link:  FACTS Financial Aid Application. Financial aid applicants will be notified of awards at the end of November, following the meeting of the JUF Scholarship Committee. If you have questions about the FACTS application, please call the FACTS helpline at 866-315-9262, 7AM-9PM Monday-Friday and Saturday 8AM-2PM.

The IsraelNow Chicago trip cancellation timeline is as follows:  

Cancellation on or Before September 30, 2022
A family that gives Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF) and IsraelNow Education Foundation (INEF) written notice of cancellation on or before September 30, 2022, and completes the IsraelNow withdrawal form will be eligible for a full refund, including the deposit.

Cancellation between October 1, 2022-November 18, 2022
A family that gives JUF/INEF written notice of cancellation between October 1, 2021-November 18, 2022 and completes the IsraelNow withdrawal form, will be eligible for a refund of all money paid to JUF less $500.

Cancellation after November 18, 2022
No refunds will be granted after November 18, 2022. A family must still complete and submit the JUF/INEF withdrawal form to formally withdraw from the program.

Parents may use our letter to help explain the IsraelNow program and educational experience that can be shared with schools and teachers. Please click here for February and here for March’s letters. 

As you start high school, we want to help you stay connected! Springboard, Chicago’s hub for Jewish Teen Programs, can help you learn about amazing opportunities for Chicago area Jewish teens.

• Make sure to check out the Community Calendar regularly and follow Springboard on Instagram, to stay up to date on great programs happening this summer and fall.
• Learn about Access Grants that can help reduce the cost of your first multi-day program like a convention, retreat, or Shabbaton.
• Meet with a member of the Springboard team in person at ice cream or coffee shops or online to have one-on-one conversations and discover the programs are the best fit for you.