Year-Round Youth Experience


Jewish youth groups, retreats, and trips can expand a young person’s sense of self and their connection to Jewish community. We have received many letters from young people who return home from a Shabbaton or trip expressing their deep appreciation for the opportunity to meet other Jewish youth, build leadership skills, and deepen their sense of belonging to the Jewish people.

The Year-Round Youth Experience Grant encourages young people to take advantage of Jewish programs and experience the benefits of these opportunities for themselves.

Who qualifies?

To be eligible for the Year-Round Youth Experience Grant, the individual must be

  • Age 6 through 18
  • A resident of Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern Vermont (Bennington and Windham counties)
  • Jewish
  • Attending a qualifying event

What types of events qualify?

A qualifying program must

  • Cost a minimum of $200
  • ​Be sponsored by a recognized Jewish institution that has a tax status as a 501(c)(3) public charity, such as a national Jewish youth movement (USY, NFTY, NCSY, BBYO, etc.) or be organized by a Western Massachusetts or Southern Vermont organization that has a tax status as a 501(c)(3) public charity, such as a youth group, Jewish organization, or school
  • Include highly impactful and meaningful Jewish content and values such as tzedakah (giving or charity), tikkun olam (repairing the world), a Jewish holiday experience, or Jewish leadership development

Interested organizations should contact the grants office at GTI@HGF.ORG to confirm program eligibility before publicizing this grant opportunity. The Harold Grinspoon Foundation requires organizations confirm eligibility for every event, even if the event was approved in the past.

What funding is available?

Applicants can apply for 50% of the cost of the program, up to $500.
Examples of qualifying events​:

  • Retreats
  • Shabbaton events
  • Trips

How do I apply for funding?

Completed applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the program. Late applications will not be accepted.

Please allow two to three weeks for applications to be reviewed and processed.

If approved, a Year-Round Youth Experience Grant payment  will be made out to the sponsoring organization. The final invoice from the organization will be adjusted accordingly.

Need help?

For any general questions about the HGF's Year-Round Youth Experience or for questions regarding the online grant system, please contact us at GTI@hgf.org.

Disclaimer

Please note that the Harold Grinspoon Foundation reserves the right to decline any application for any reason.

Apply Here