Build your Jewish community and strengthen your connections with a grant of $180 to host a gathering of your choice.
You select the date, location, attendees, and activity, while Federation covers the cost.
Whether it’s a Shabbat dinner, holiday celebration, or social event, JGather gives Jewish-identifying individuals and families in Greater Atlanta the flexibility to plan their own Jewish experiences.
Who is eligible to receive a JGather Engagement Grant?
Any Jewish-identifying individual, couple, friend group, or family in the greater Atlanta area can apply to receive a $180 grant. This includes residents of Gwinnett, Fulton, Cobb, Dekalb, Clayton, Cherokee, Forsyth, Henry, Douglas, Fayette, Paulding, Coweta counties, and beyond!
Spring Cycle
Spring grants open in March and must be used during April and May.
Summer Cycle
Summer grants open in June and must be used during July and August.
Fall Cycle
Fall grants open in September and must be used during October and November.
Winter Cycle
Winter grants open in December and must be used during January and February.
By filling out this application, you agree to:
- Host a meaningful Jewish event.
- Invite at least 10 people to attend.
- Fill out a post-event survey about the experience hosting your event.
Who can apply for a JGather Individual Engagement Grant?
If you identify as Jewish and live in the greater Atlanta area, you’re welcome to apply. You can apply on your own, with a partner, with friends, or as a family. Each household can apply once per cycle. JGather Individual Engagement Grants are designed for individuals planning gatherings, not for organizations.
What does my event need to look like?
There’s no single way to “do Jewish.” Your gathering should reflect what feels meaningful to you. It could be a Shabbat dinner, a holiday celebration, a book club, a cooking night, or something totally unique. As long as it creates space for connection and a touch of Jewish tradition, it counts. The only things we can’t fund are personal celebrations like birthdays, baby showers, or bar and bat mitzvahs.
How many people should I invite?
Your event must have at least 10 guests who are not immediate family members. Family is welcome to attend, but they don’t count toward the 10-person minimum. Friends, neighbors, coworkers, new connections, and extended family are all great ways to build your guest list. Adults or kids, Jewish or not Jewish, the mix is up to you.
How can I use the $180?
Your event must have at least 10 guests who are not immediate family members. Family is welcome to attend, but they don’t count toward the 10-person minimum. Friends, neighbors, coworkers, new connections, and extended family are all great ways to build your guest list. Adults or kids, Jewish or not Jewish, the mix is up to you.
What do I actually get if I’m awarded a grant?
You’ll get $180 back after your event (through Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle). You’ll also get support from our team if you want help planning, seasonal items that match your event (like a challah board for Shabbat or a lulav and etrog for Sukkot), and even help connecting with more people in the community if you’d like.
How do I apply?
- Fill out the short application. We’ll get back to you within 10 business days.
- Host your event with at least 10 guests outside your immediate family. Don’t forget to snap a few photos.
- Complete a quick post event survey and share your photos. You’ll also have the chance to ask your guests to fill one out.
- Receive your $180 within about 10 days.
- (Optional) Share your experience on social media so others can discover JGather Engagement Grants too!
What are some ideas for an event?
Our Engagement Grant is here to help you create something meaningful in a way that fits your style.
- Host a Shabbat dinner with friends and neighbors. Light candles, share challah, and make it your own.
- Build and decorate a sukkah, then invite friends to eat and hang out under the stars.
- End the week with a backyard Havdalah, dessert, and maybe even a little music.
- Gather in the kitchen for a challah baking night. Everyone braids and takes a loaf home.
- Set up a holiday craft night with kids or adults. Think menorahs, dreidels, or Purim masks.
- Try a Rosh Hashanah tasting with apples, honey, and other symbolic foods while sharing hopes for the year ahead.
- Spread out some blankets for a picnic Shabbat at the park with blessings and songs.
- Start a book club and kick it off with a Jewish author or story that sparks good conversation.
- Watch a Jewish film together and chat about the themes over popcorn.
- Cook a favorite Jewish dish like shakshuka or rugelach and swap family food stories along the way.
Email the JGather team at gathergrants@jewishatlanta.org and we’ll get back to you.