ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCES
As our Movement grows, so does our ability to innovate programming, execute big ideas, and turn our dreams into a reality. We know that many big ideas come with a price tag, and Gamechanger Grants seek to reduce that price tag. We want there to be no barrier to your ability to make a difference, make an impact, and make your chapters stronger. Explore how you can use Gamechanger Grants below and get inspired for your next event.
Gamechanger Grants are BBYO micro-grants, open to all AZA, BBG, and BBYO chapters an clubs worldwide, that help enhance a chapter experience. As of Fall 2025, programs eligible for Gamechanger Grants fall into five categories:
Elevated Chapter Experiences (e.g., bringing a speaker, bubble soccer, escape room, Founders' Fest, sports tournament)
Israel Education Programs and Initiatives
Chapter Shabbat Dinner ✡️
Jewish Holiday Programs ✡️
Stand UP (Service, Philanthropy, Advocacy) ✡️
Grants for elevated chapter experiences are determined by a small, diverse group of Teen Coaches who serve in this full-year role on the International Leadership Network (ILN) and are committed to enhancing chapter programming across the order. Grants for Shabbat Dinners, Jewish Holiday programs, Israel Education, or Stand UP are determined by BBYO’s Jewish Enrichment team.
✡️ Chapter Shabbat Dinners, Jewish Holiday Programs, and Stand UP Grants require coaching with a Jewish Educator before you receive the funds for your program (reach out to jewish@bbyo.org if you have questions about these program types in particular)
We fund $100-$1,000 USD for in-person events and up to $250 USD for virtual
Grants are funded on a rolling basis while funds are available
The average grant during the 2024-2025 programming year was $7/per person
You must apply at least two weeks before your program (if it’s later, we won’t review your application)
✡️ Chapter Shabbat Dinners, Jewish Holiday Programs, and Stand UP Grants require coaching with a Jewish Educator before you receive the funds for your program (reach out to jewish@bbyo.org if you have questions about these program types in particular)
We love it when you have also fundraised for your own events and chapter (here’s a list of ideas)
Please Note: Gamechanger Grants are intended to elevate the experience. Your program budget should be able to support the experience even if you don’t get a grant. Grant funding cannot be used to make a profit on a program and grants will not exceed $10/per person
Please build a plan before you apply! Start a Program Planning Form and be sure that you can give the committee specifics on what the Gamechanger Grant money will be used for. If you need help, email teengrants@bbyo.org or reach out to the International Gizborim.
What's Funded
Offsetting the costs of exciting and creative program venues or experiences
Chapter outings like Bubble Soccer, Paintball, Escape Rooms, Laser Tag, Roller Skating, or Pottery
Speakers like a NOVA Survivor, FBI Agents, or famous authors
Subsidizing or covering the cost of event attendance for prospective members
Launches for new chapters, clubs, or initiatives
Judaica supplies for a chapter dinner, service, or other specifically Jewish moment
What's Not Funded
Regional programming
Transportation
Giveaways, gifts, or tips
Fundraisers
Pizza or snacks during a program
Funded on a Case-by-Case Basis
Tickets to a professional sports games
Food experiences with Jewish content, such as Candy Sukkah Making, Sushi in the Sukkah, or Shabbat Dinners
Elevated food experiences that are essential to the program’s activities like Cupcake Wars, Guac Off, Master Chef
This list is not exhaustive! We encourage you to apply for a Gamechanger Grant for any program element that is inventive, exciting, and engaging.
To get your funds, you must complete a short Gamechanger Grant Report Form after your event. You’ll need:
How many people attended
Receipts from items purchased
A sentence or two describing your epic program
Optional: Photos so we can brag about you!
Chapter Programming Resources
Jewish Enrichment Resources
