Jewish Experience Microgrants


More information

How to apply and what to expect: 


Step 1. Have a great idea that builds affiliation and Jewish identity in the nation’s capital, by engaging more people in local Jewish life; read our FAQ page to make sure you understand the grant criteria; cost out all elements of the program; prepare a budget; if you need help, reach out.

 

Step 2. Click “apply now” and submit your application, which  describes your initiative in detail, at least 4 weeks before your event or initiative will take place. Include a budget with projected revenues and expenses. 

  

Step 3. Wait to hear from us. 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 4.  A funding agreement between Federation and the grant recipient will be provided for review and signature. Read, sign, and return the funding agreement. Please note: The individual or organization's name on the funding agreement must match the bank account holder's name for reimbursement.

  

Step 5. Develop marketing, and tag Federation on social media. Send us copies of your marketing materials, which clearly recognize Federation for the provision of the grant, and include the Microgrants Logo; tag Federation on social media event posts.

 

Step 6. Host your event or initiative and provide verbal recognition of Federation support through Microgrant funding.

 

Step 7.  Complete brief post-event report and send out participant survey to all event/program registrants. To be reimbursed, you will need to send us digital copies of all receipts for program/event-related costs. All reimbursements are paid through EFTs. If it is your first time receiving a Microgrant, please ensure you share your bank transfer details for smooth reimbursement process.


To be considered, an account must be created and applications must be completed and submitted using our online platform. Here is a sample application.


Please follow these simple steps to start your application:
 
Step 1: Start the application process by registering here
Step 2: You will receive link to confirm your email address, please click on it to activate your access
Step 3: Select the type of grant you would like to apply for (in this case Microgrants)
Step 4: Fill out application and submit

FAQs


How are grant recipients selected?

A committee of community volunteers reviews application as they are received. The review committee includes people from various backgrounds and experiences in Jewish Ottawa, who are trained in the grant review process.  

 

What is the committee looking for?
 The review considers the following questions:

• Does the initiative engage new people in Jewish life?

• Is it meaningful and impactful for participants? Is it relevant and enjoyable?

• Does the initiative fill a gap or appeal to an under-served population?

• In addition to being a good idea, does the initiative build synergies, and collaborative partnerships in the community?

• Is there a clear action plan and budget?

 

What kinds of activities are eligible?

NEW STARTING JULY 1st, 2025 - The Jewish Federation of Ottawa's Microgrants Committee is excited to launch the year of "Empowering the Indvidual," focusing on empowering and encouraging leaders in our community through Microgrant funding.
New changes to application criteria include:
 
For organizations: Maximum of two allocations (maximum of $5,000 cumulatively) per organization per fiscal year
-- Additional application for initiatives that feature new organization collaborations
 
Any organizations that receive Jewish Journeys in funding for programing are precluded from applying for Microgrants
 
For individual applicants: new option with a maximum allocation of $1,800 that accounts for 100% of the budget, as an alternative to the standard maximum allocation model of $2,500 representing 75% of the overall budget


• Activities that foster and promote health and wellness, from a Jewish perspective. 

• Social-Action and Tikun Olam initiatives to combat racism, support inclusion and enable more people to be included in Jewish life.  

• Backyard camps and informal summer 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 mission: to advance and promote an exceptional quality of Jewish life; and its vision: a thriving Ottawa Jewish community that is inclusive, accessible, educated, and engaged

• Fundraising events are not eligible for funding

• There is a maximum of three times that a single program can be supported through microgrants, after which, this program is no longer eligible for funding