Spark the Future 2025 – Microgrant Scheme

These grants are designed to empower young Jewish adults to turn ideas into action. Whether your project focuses on community building, cultural expression or showcasing Jewish pride, we want to help you make it happen.

Your project’s aim should be to increase the engagement, involvement and commitment of young Jewish adults to their Jewish life and identity. We will be offering grants worth up to £2,000 per project.

Who can apply
-Be aged 21–29
-Be based in the UK
-Have a clear idea or project that benefits young adults in the UK Jewish community. This may have been designed/developed at, or be subsequent to. the September’25 Spark the Future event.
- Demonstrate your project fills a gap in provision that doesn’t already exist elsewhere in the community, or, explain how your project will significantly enhance any existing provision.

Examples of projects to be funded could include (but are not limited to) those that:

- Build community with other young Jewish adults
- Engage with Jewish practices, traditions and culture
- “Hug and/or wrestle” with Israel
- Provide educational opportunities

We encourage creative, bold, and innovative ideas. Don’t be scared to think outside the box!

What we won’t fund

- Projects with no clear connection or benefit to young adults in the UK Jewish community
- Initiatives run primarily for profit
- Political campaigning of any sort
- Salaries for professional staff
- Projects outside of the UK

How to apply

To apply to our Spark the Future Microgrant Scheme please complete this short form.

After the project has been delivered you will be asked to:

- Share a short impact summary (max 1 page) within 1 month of completion.
- Share photos/videos that we can use to promote the scheme to future applicants.

8. How to submit you project application

Complete the online form by 24th October 2025
If you have any further questions please email: microgrants@thejlc.org

FAQs

  • Join us for an optional online session where you can seek advice and guidance, and ask relevant questions regarding your project. This will take place on Monday 29th September at 7.30pm. To register for this session, please email us at microgrants@thejlc.org

    If your application is successful, and should you require it, the JLC will be on hand to give any appropriate support.

  • Yes, absolutely but please note that with our first round of applications, priority will be given to those that attended the event.

  • The deadline for applying is 24th October 2025.

    1. All applications will be reviewed by a small cross-communal group of lay leaders.

    2. Applicants may be asked for a follow up conversation if anything needs further clarification.

    3. If your idea is successful there will be a quick call with either a JLC staff member or someone from the panel.

    4. All applicants will be contacted regarding a decision by 21st November 2025.

  • A grant agreement will be sent for you to sign and return which will include a request for bank details which must be held in the UK.

  • No, if you wish to mention the JLC or use the JLC logo you must have written permission to do so. Please ensure this is asked for in advance of any material being sent out.

  • -       Whilst we will have agreed to fund a specific project, we understand there can be changes to an initial plan. If this happens please reach out to the JLC to explain these changes and how this might impact the project moving forward.

    -       We will look to hold an event during 2026 to celebrate the initiatives that have been started by this fund. Attendance by at least one representative of the project would be required.

    -       Events funded by the grant must be for people aged 21 and over.

    -       Unless you can explain how your project will significantly enhance any existing provision, it should not be directly connected to another Jewish organisation.

    -       Projects will need to be independent of the JLC. It is possible that the JLC will make reference to the projects, but full credit will be given to you as the project holder.

    -       The JLC will not be responsible for marketing any projects

    -       Projects should create programming that is accessible to all and which create space for people to express their Jewish practice in different ways. We ask, however, that you are always thoughtful about how you approach food, Shabbat and Jewish practice.

    -       Project reports are to be submitted (to include detailed expenditure against your project budget together with accompanying receipts for each expense line) within one month of completion of your project – or of each constituent part of your project, if it is being delivered across an extended period/involves multiple events. As per above, this should also include photos and videos where appropriate.

    -       If, once your project has been delivered, you have unspent microgrant funds up to £100, we ask that you donate these remaining funds to a charity of your choice; should you have unspent funds in excess of £100, you will be asked to return this to the JLC.