This program is funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.
Your plan. Your people. Your place.
Your Jewish expression.
Applications opening soon!
Get up to $180 to host an event at the place and with the people you choose
Holiday meals can be larger and therefore more costly. We've got you!
If you are hosting 6-9 folks the subsidy is $120, but if you are hosting 10+ people outside your household, Gather Grants will reimburse you up to $180.
You select the date. You set the location. You invite the attendees. You plan the activity. Federation helps pick up the tab.
Gather Grant Details
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A GATHER GRANT?
Any Jewish-identifying individual, couple, friend group, or family in the greater Portland area can apply to a Gather Grant. Mixed heritage families encouraged to apply.
WHO AND HOW MANY PEOPLE DO I NEED TO INVITE TO MY EVENT?
We request that a minimum of 2 families or 6 people outside your household attend your event. Attendees may be adults or children and should include people outside your family. Mixed heritage households most welcome.
WHAT EXACTLY DO I GET IF I AM AWARDED A GATHER GRANT?
Ideas and guidance: You’ll find event ideas and resources on this webpage. We’re also happy to connect with you over email, phone, or Zoom. You don’t have to do this on your own!
$180: You’ll receive up to $180 in the form of a check or ACH bank transfer (after you host and share details about your event with us.)
WHAT DOES MY EVENT NEED TO LOOK LIKE? HOW JEWISH DOES IT NEED TO BE?
HOW CAN I USE THE GATHER GRANT?
You can spend the Gather Grant in whatever way you need to bring your event to life! Some examples include:
Food: ingredients, pick-up, or dine out!
Supplies: decorations, art supplies, books, paper goods,
Tickets (movies, activities, events)
EXCLUSIONS
Lifecycle (e.g. baby naming, b'mitzvah, wedding, shiva, etc.)
Personal Family Gatherings (e.g. birthday parties)
Fundraisers
Events/programs to which you are selling tickets
WHEN YOU RECEIVE A GATHER GRANT YOU CAN:
Teach friends how to make a special recipe from your childhood
Plan a picnic with other families with similar-aged kids
Host a Shabbat or holiday celebration to meet your Jewish neighbors
Arrange a fun night to reconnect with old friends
Buy copies of a Jewish-themed book and host a discussion group
Organize a game night, a hike, a volunteer project… whatever and wherever you want!
ANY JEWISH-IDENTIFYING GROUP, INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY OR COUPLE CAN APPLY.
Don’t belong to a synagogue? This grant is for you.
Don’t live in a “Jewish area”? This grant is for you.
Part of a multi-heritage family? This grant is for you.
Lost touch with your Jewish friends? Use the grant to reconnect.
Recent empty nester? Time to plan a dinner party!
Active member of the community? Host less involved friends to get them connected.
Parent who wants to do something Jewish for your child? Let’s make it happen!
Grant Opportunities
SPRING GATHER GRANTS NOW OPEN!
If you have questions email info@jewishportland.org.
UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Grants will open in June for Summer 2026 Gatherings. Check back then.
Ok, I’m in. What do I need to do?
-
Complete the Gather Grant application online by the date indicated in the orange Grant Opportunities section above. We’ll notify you within 10 days about the status of your application.
-
Plan and host your event with at least 2 other families or 6 attendees outside your household. Take lots of photos!
-
Share details and photos from your event in a short post-event survey and ask your attendees to complete a survey as well.
-
(Encouraged but optional) Share details and photos/videos from your event on your social media accounts. Include a link to jewishportland.org/ourcommunity/gathergrants to make sure others know about this fun opportunity.
-
Receive up to $180 via check/ACH transfer within 2 weeks of submitting post-event host survey.