Jewish Ottawa is teeming with good ideas. That’s why the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Microgrant program exists: to breathe life into your event and program ideas and help them be successful.

Starting this year, the Federation’s Microgrants committee is proud to launch a new initiative for the year themed “Empowering the Individual.” This year's focus is on supporting and encouraging leadership and innovation within the community by providing accessible funding opportunities through Microgrants.

Several key changes have been made to the application criteria. 

For individual applicants, a new funding option has been introduced. Individuals can now apply for a maximum allocation of $1,800 to cover 100% of their proposed budget. This offers an alternative to the existing model, which provides a maximum of $2,500 but covers only 75% of the total budget. These changes are designed to create greater flexibility and support for both emerging and established leaders within the Jewish community.

For organizations, there is now a maximum of two allocations per fiscal year, with a combined total not exceeding $5,000. An additional application may be submitted if the proposed initiative involves a new collaboration between organizations.

Microgrants have powered incredible programming for newcomers, seniors, and young adults, to name a few. Here are just a few of the programs that have received funding:

Shtick Handlers

“The Microgrant program allowed me to kick off a hockey development program bringing the sport to Jewish kids across the city,” said organizer Justin Levine. “Much of the minor and youth hockey occurs over Shabbat. As such, many families either have limited ice time or self-select out of hockey.” 

Levine also spoke about the cost of the sport, which can be quite steep for many families. The Microgrant allowed for the sport to become more accessible for Jews of diverse religious observance and incomes.

Young Adult Pickleball Lesson

“With our Microgrant funding, we were able to hire a professional coach to offer an introduction to pickleball class followed by a game with 25 young professionals in the community,” said Anna Frenkel, who organized the event. “We are so grateful for our funding that helped us run a fun, successful and active event!”

Young adults are one of the many “micro-communities” that Federation works to engage in Jewish life. Whether it is getting together for a themed Shabbat meal, going to a baseball game, or celebrating holidays, Microgrants have helped fund a diverse range of programming that allows many people to connect with each other and with Judaism.

Tkuma – Remembering October 7th

Organized by Yotam Saban, this event brought participants on a solidarity march through the streets of Ottawa to commemorate the terror attack that occurred in Israel on October 7, 2023.

“The Microgrant played a pivotal role in transforming a grassroots initiative into a large-scale community event, drawing thousands of attendees,” said Saban. “With the funding, we were able to enhance logistics, secure key materials, and amplify outreach, turning our vision into a powerful, inclusive gathering. The Microgrant not only elevated the quality and reach of the event but also reinforced community resilience, collaboration, and pride.”

Saban spoke of the impact the event had on attendees, making them feel empowered and fostering an environment of togetherness in the face of the unprecedented terrorist attacks in Israel. 

Microgrant applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but applications must be submitted at least four weeks ahead of your planned programming. If you have an idea for an event that will enhance Jewish life in Ottawa, apply for a Microgrant today! 

Learn more about how to apply and read some of the program’s success stories here