Jewish Experience Microgrants

Jewish Experience Microgrants is a program by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton to offer financial support for new and original programs in the Jewish community that

  • Build affinity and Jewish identity
  • Inspire Jewish opportunities for engagement (cultural, social, recreational, religious)
  • Increase Jewish communal reach across Edmonton

The Jewish Experience Microgrant program is for individuals only, not organizations, who live in the Edmonton region.

The program specifically favours young adults applicants (under the age of 40), although anyone in the community that is 18 or older can apply.

Food supplied will adhere to the principles of kashrut and a certified kosher option be available.

Funding Amount:
Up to $1,800 per program (Note that funding does not include fees for honorariums)
Lifetime limit:
Three times per program idea
Other limitation:
Committee chairs and board members cannot apply for the Microgrant program.

How to apply

Step 1

Proposal. Have an idea and ensure it meets the grant criteria. Cost out the program. Prepare a budget. Reach out to jmedalye@edjfed.org for assistance.

Step 2

Check the Community Calendar and ensure that the proposed program date does not conflict with other Federation events. Priority will be given to events that do not compete with scheduled Federation events.

Step 3

Apply. Submit the application form with all fields completed. Describe your initiative in detail. Include a budget with projected revenues and expenses. You will receive a confirmation that your application has been received. Applications must be received three weeks prior to the proposed program start date.

Step 4

Completed applications will be reviewed by the Microgrants committee. Applicants will be informed whether the application was successful, and if successful, the amount of the grant.

Step 5

Read, sign and return the funding agreement. A funding agreement between Federation and the grant recipient will be provided for review and signature.

Step 6

Develop marketing, and tag Federation on social media: #jewishedmonton. Send us copies of your marketing materials, which clearly recognize the Federation for the provision of the grant, and include the Federation Powered by United Jewish Appeal logo; tag Federation on social media event posts.

Step 7

Host your event or initiative

Step 8

Invoice us, and complete brief post-event impact report and participant survey. To be reimbursed, you will need to send us digital copies of all receipts for program/event-related costs.

Step 9

Cash your cheque. Within 14 days from when the above-mentioned materials are received, a cheque for the approved funds with be issued to the grant recipient.

Criteria for approval

One or more of the following:

  • The initiative engages new people in Jewish life
  • The initiative is meaningful and impactful for participants
  • The initiative is relevant and enjoyable for participants
  • The initiative fills a gap or appeals to an under-served population
  • The initiative builds on synergies and collaborative partnerships in the community
  • There is a clear action plan and budget

Eligible applicants:

  • Applicant is a United Jewish Appeal member by virtue of a minimum $18 contribution to the campaign. If you are not currently a member in good standing, you can donate now.
  • Applicants must be part of the Edmonton community.
  • Applicant must be 18+.
  • Preference will be given to applicants 40 years old and younger.

Eligible activities include:

  • Activities that foster and promote health and wellness, from a Jewish perspective.
  • Social-Action and Tikkun Olam initiatives to combat racism, support inclusion and enable more people to be included in Jewish life.
  • Informal activities that are infused with Jewish content.
  • Educational, recreational, cultural, religious, and other Jewish events
  • One-time programs, conferences, courses
  • Activities that fit with Federation’s vision: A thriving, caring, engaged, and connected Jewish community.