Eshel Across America
Microgrant Program
Grant Purpose
To support individuals in creating welcoming, Orthodox-friendly spaces for LGBTQ+ Jews to connect with one another, engage in Jewish life, and strengthen community in their local areas. Open to US residents only.
- Gatherings must be designed to foster community, Jewish connection, creativity, and belonging.
- Gatherings must be practice-forward and Orthodox-friendly: Programs must offer an opportunity for communal engagement in Yiddishkeit, such as tefillah, a shiur, a tzitzit workshop, a farbrengen, a Shabbat dinner, or a holiday seudah.
Grant Details
- Applicants may request up to $250 per program.
- Eshel may award less than the amount requested.
- Applications will be reviewed as quickly as possible; submission does not guarantee approval. Please provide as many details as possible in your application.
- Applicants may receive up to two grants per fiscal year (July–June).
Eligibility Requirements
- Gatherings must serve a minimum of 5 participants
- Gatherings must primarily serve an LGBTQ+ audience; allies can be welcome.
- Any food must be kosher by Orthodox halacha and if on Shabbat, strict Shabbat observance must be followed. Please reach out to us with questions about kosher or Shabbat!
- Any venue must be kosher
- For gatherings that include allies, hosts should communicate with LGBTQ+ participants in advance to ensure they are comfortable with allies attending.
Application Deadlines
- Applications Open: October 27 – November 30 Program Period: December 1 – February 14, 2027
- December programs: Apply by November 15
- January and February programs: Apply by December 1
- Round Two: March – June 2027
Grantee Commitments
Grant recipients must agree to:
- Create an Orthodox practice-friendly program for 5–20 participants.
- Share attendee information with Eshel.
- Display Eshel swag at the event.
- Complete a follow-up form with event details.
Funds will be disbursed only after the event takes place, and the follow-up form has been completed.