Gamechanger Grants

Who: Open to all AZA, BBG and BBYO chapters and clubs worldwide.*
Opportunity: Plan an event designed to make a big difference in your community, bring in new prospects and members, or pilot new program initiatives.
Amount: $50 - $1000 USD for in-person events; Up to $250 USD for virtual events. Innovation grants will be awarded on a rolling basis while funds are available and funding exceptions being made on a case-by-case basis.
Timeline: Apply at least two weeks prior to your event. The earlier, the better!

*Gamechanger Innovation Grants are meant to drive innovative chapter programs, and are not typically awarded to member-only regional experiences.

Enhanced Funding Available for BBYO's Centennial

BBYO will be awarding Centennial-focused Gamechanger Innovation Grants to chapters and communities planning 100th anniversary-focused programming (explore sample programs here). Be sure to mark "Centennial" on your application. The same criteria and review process for Gamechanger Innovation Grants apply (details below). We can't wait to see what you do to celebrate this historic milestone. Learn more about BBYO's Centennial.

Before you apply, take time to build a thoughtful plan. You absolutely must be able to specify in your application what the Gamechanger Innovation Grant money will be used for. If you need any additional support or guidance before submitting your application, feel free to reach out to any of us at azabbg@bbyo.org or through your International Gizborim.

Please read the information below before applying! The application link is at the bottom of the page.

Gamechanger Innovation Grants can range from $50 to $1,000* (USD) and will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Program content and quality
  

• Event environment (exciting location, how the event will look/feel, branding, hosting strategies)
  

• Communication and outreach strategies
  

• Engagement of prospects, current members, alumni, community members, and beyond
  

*Please note, grants of larger amounts (beyond $1000) will be considered on an individual basis as funding permits. 

Innovation Grants are intended to:

• Elevate programs beyond the “typical" and create innovative programs that level up the BBYO experience and wouldn’t be possible otherwise
  

• Supplement chapter programs budgets to expand the depth and/or reach of the program
  

• Launch new chapters, clubs, or initiatives
  

• Engage prospects and teens not yet involved with BBYO
  

• Highlight service, advocacy, global Jewry, education, entrepreneurship, and more
  

• Give particular attention to programs that prioritize Aleph engagement and upperclassmen engagement
  

• Support WOW Programming
  

• Elevate recruitment, retention, fraternity and sisterhood programming (i.e., Big/Little programming, Inductions, Intake/Rush, etc.)  
  

• Boost BBYO visibility, reach, and impact throughout your community
  

• Engagement of prospects, current members, alumni, community members, and beyond
  

Program elements Gamechanger Innovation Grants have funded:

• Offsetting costs of exciting and creative program venues
  

• Elevated food experiences like Cupcake Wars, Master Chef, Food Trucks, and Bonfires
  

• Launch new chapters, clubs, or initiatives
  

• Chapter outings like Bubble Soccer, Bowling, Paintball, Sports Events, Escape Rooms, Laser Tag, Roller Staking, and Pottery
  

• Hosting and branding advancements for chapter experiences
  

• Cost of event attendance for chapter members
  

This list is not exhaustive! We encourage you to apply for a Gamechanger Innovation Grant for any program element that is innovative, exciting, and engaging.

Please note that Gamechanger Innovation Grants will not be awarded for fundraisers, swag, gifts or tips, or transportation. Gamechanger Innovation Grants are also typically not awarded for food unless it truly elevates the program experience.

All recipients will need to submit the following in exchange for awarded funding after the event using the Gamechanger Innovation Grant Report Form:

• Event participant data (via Jotform, BBYO Sign-in Link, Excel spreadsheet, etc.)
  

• Photo and/or video highlights
  

• Teen Testimonials from the experience
  

Check out these planning tools to help you get started:

• Program Planning Form
  

• WOW Events Planning Guide
  

Before you submit an application for funding, make sure you've exhausted all of the ways to raise funds for your event. Here is a list of fundraisers you can host in your chapter. Gamechanger Innovation Grants are intended to elevate the program experience. Your program budget should be able to support the experience regardless of the event. These funds should supplement your program budget not as a means to make a profit on the program.

‍BBYO’s Program Planning Form is required with every Gamechanger Innovation Grant Application. The program planning form must give the committee a clear sense of what your program is about, provide a budget, and be viewable by the committee.

Gamechanger Innovation Granted Programs

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Gamechanger Innovation Granting Committee

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Israel Program Grants

Who: Open to all chapters, regions, and communities worldwide.
Opportunity: Plan an event or program designed to elevate the conversation around Israel.
Amount: $50-$1000; Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis while funds are available.
Timeline: Apply at least two weeks prior to your event.

Please read the information below before applying! The application link is at the bottom of the page.

At BBYO, we want to ensure that our Israel programming is sophisticated, thoughtful, high quality, and pluralistic. As such, we ask that your Israel program has an added value—an educational goal that goes above and beyond social programming.

As your ideating, please consider the following:

• What is your program’s stated objective or intended outcome?
  

• Does your program include meaningful or challenging discussion?
  

• Does your program represent a plurality of views, when possible?
  

• Does your program utilize a speaker or educator? If you are having speakers or guests, please make sure you have a person who is an example of an issue, rather than a representative for that issue. We are most interested in hearing about people’s personal stories and experiences, not their political punditry. If your program specifically engages in political discourse, please make sure a plurality of views are represented. For further questions reach out to Tal Maymon (Maccabi World Union Sh'licha) and Noam Dahary (Director of Jewish Enrichment at BBYO).
  

Before you apply, take time to build a thoughtful plan. Talk with your peers, staff and advisors about what will make the biggest impact for your community. They can help advise on your timeline, budget, and content. If you need any additional support or guidance before submitting your application, feel free to reach out to any of us at jewish@bbyo.org or through your International Sh'lichim. Your wins are our wins and we want you to thrive. Let’s make history!