Tips to help Friends access financial aid

How to Pay for Gathering

Gathering can be expensive. FGC acknowledges that the costs can be a barrier for many Friends. These barriers tend to block some of us – especially People of Color, younger Friends, working-class Friends – more than other Friends.

In today’s times, the additional pressures of inflation, rising wage inequality, and changes in generational wealth create a challenging reality. Below is a list of ideas for how to pay for Gathering costs. FGC thanks Friends who have been able to make donations to make workgrants and scholarships possible.

1. Register early. Friends who register early have greater access to workgrants and scholarships. The Early Registration period is April 11-23. FGC recommends that you register as early as possible, even if you do not yet know whether your meeting will be able to financially help you.
   
2. Apply for a workgrant. Workgrants are fee waivers that Friends receive for specific volunteer service during the Gathering. Typical workgrants range from $200 to $400. In exchange, Friends offer 3 to 4 hours of daily service at the Gathering. This is a great way to contribute to the life of the Gathering. People apply for workgrants as part of the registration process. There are some restrictions on who can apply for workgrants.
   
3. Apply for scholarships. FGC warmly invites scholarship applications. There are scholarships for first-time attenders, return attenders, People of Color, and for families with children. There are travel grants for people traveling from the West Coast. FGC offers a family discount for families with at least one adult and dependents.  People apply for scholarships when they register for Gathering. You will see a “scholarships” section, and there is where you request a specific amount. Insider tip: Please note that most of these scholarships require a letter from a Quaker meeting. Now is a good time to reach out to your clerk to begin to arrange that letter. FGC also asks Friends to seek funds from their Quaker meetings (see below). This ensures that FGC can extend its aid to more people.
   
4. Apply for scholarships from your local meeting or yearly meeting. Many local meetings have funds that may support travel, spiritual development, or other related causes. You can register for Gathering before you have finalized scholarships from your meeting.

If you would like to support these funds to help make the Gathering accessible to others, you can donate to FGC today.