Jewish Federation of Detroit Incentive and Need-Based Grants

Scholarship Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Detroit

Program overview

Get There! provides grants to help Jewish residents of metropolitan Detroit (Oakland, Macomb, Wayne counties) ages 13–28 access meaningful Israel and overseas experiences. Funding supports gap-year programs, college and yeshivah study, and approved educational opportunities, with awards ranging from incentive-level amounts to need-based grants up to $10,000. The program is administered online through an application portal; applicants should review eligibility carefully before applying. Contact information and application access are available through the Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department.

Description: Need- and incentive-based grants support eligible participants attending recognized Israel or overseas programs of one year or less; awards and eligibility differ by grant type.

• For Jewish Detroiters ages 13–28 (age limits vary by grant type).
• Supports approved educational programs and qualifying short-term trips.
• Applications are submitted and managed online via the program portal.

Incentive Grant

The Incentive Grant is intended to encourage first-time organized peer trips or educational programs to Israel and approved overseas programs of up to one year. Award amounts are fixed by trip length and are intended to supplement program costs rather than cover full expenses. Certain programs and previous recipients are ineligible, and amounts depend on available funding. Applicants should confirm program approval with the Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department before applying.

Award Value: Trips up to 42 days: $1,250. Trips 43 days to 12 months: $1,750. Amounts are subject to funding availability.

• Designed for first-time organized peer trips or educational programs.
• Fixed awards based on trip duration; not means-tested.
• Not available for JFD-subsidized trips, out-of-state school programs that only include an Israel component, or previous Get There! recipients.

Incentive Grant eligibility

Eligibility for the Incentive Grant focuses on residency, age, program type, and program approval. Applicants must be Jewish residents of metropolitan Detroit and typically aged 13–26, though consideration up to age 28 may occur if funding allows. The program must be a recognized Israel or overseas program approved by the Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department and the trip should be a first-time organized peer or educational experience. Exceptions for longer trips, repeat participants, or older applicants are possible but subject to funding constraints.

Eligibility: Jewish resident of Oakland, Macomb, or Wayne counties; ages generally 13–26 (possible consideration to age 28); first-time organized peer/educational trip; program duration one year or less; Federation-approved program.

• Primary residency requirement: metropolitan Detroit (Oakland, Macomb, Wayne).
• Age guideline: 13–26 (exceptions subject to funding).
• Programs must be approved by the Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department.

Need-Based Grant

The Need-Based Grant provides financial assistance based on demonstrated financial need to support Jewish educational experiences in Israel or approved overseas programs of up to one year. Awards are determined case-by-case and may reach up to $10,000 depending on individual circumstances and available funds. This grant excludes internships and volunteer programs; those options are considered under the Incentive Grant. Applicants must supply financial documentation as part of the review process.

Award Value: Up to $10,000 based on documented financial need and individual circumstances.

• Funding is means-tested and awarded according to demonstrated need.
• Supports educational experiences—internships and volunteer programs are not eligible under this grant.
• Program approval by the Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department is required.

Need-Based Grant eligibility

Need-Based Grant applicants must be Jewish residents of metropolitan Detroit and typically aged 13–28. Eligible programs must provide a Jewish educational experience and be approved by the Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department; program duration should be one year or less. Applicants must submit a Personal Financial Statement and recent tax returns (Form 1040 and applicable schedules) to document financial need; extenuating circumstances may be considered during review. Taglit–Birthright Israel participants and previous Get There! recipients are not eligible for this grant.

Eligibility: Jewish resident of Oakland, Macomb, or Wayne counties; ages 13–28; program with a Jewish educational focus; one-year maximum duration; required financial documentation; approved program.

• Financial documentation (PFS and recent tax forms) is mandatory.
• Program must be educational in nature—not internships or volunteer placements.
• Certain programs and prior recipients are excluded from eligibility.

Application timing and restrictions

Applications are submitted online through the program portal; review cycles occur before departure and applications submitted after travel begins cannot be considered. All materials, including financial documentation for need-based awards, must be provided before departure and in time for the applicable review cycle. The application process and award decisions are subject to funding availability and program approval. For questions or assistance with the portal, contact Aaron Poris at [email protected].

Application Timeline: Submit complete application materials before departure and in advance of the review cycle that precedes travel; retroactive applications are not accepted.

• Apply and submit all documents before leaving for the program.
• Decisions are made based on submitted materials and available funding.
• Contact [email protected] for questions or portal support.