For many Friends, the Gathering is a big financial commitment, and FGC wants to make it possible for you. Scholarships and workgrants are available for most Gathering events. Early registrants have the best chance of receiving the support they need. Scholarship priority is given to Friends from meetings affiliated with FGC, and to volunteers who are receiving workgrants. Scholarship funds are not unlimited, and there is usually an upper limit to financial aid an individual or family may receive.

Workgrants

A workgrant is a fee waiver for specific volunteer service during the Gathering. Typical workgrants range from $200 to $400 for 3 to 4 hours of daily service at the Gathering. Workgrants are only available to adults (18 years and older, and not in the High School program), and are usually for returning Gathering attenders. We advise first-time attenders to request scholarship assistance instead of workgrants.

Apply for a workgrant by answering the “Workgrant” questions when completing the Gathering registration form (Registration opens April 1, 2026!) or reviewing Gathering Youth Staff information and complete a High School or Junior Gathering staff application form.

Scholarships

Friends who need help paying for the Gathering may request a scholarship from FGC when they register.

Before May 1, priority is given to people whose meetings are affiliated with FGC.

If your meeting is not affiliated with FGC and you apply before May 1, your request will be reviewed starting May 1.

After May 1, all scholarship requests are reviewed the same way, regardless of meeting affiliation.

How to Apply

Request a scholarship when you register for the Gathering.

During registration:

  • Fill out the Scholarships section
  • Enter the amount of help you are requesting

Registering early increases your chances of receiving the full amount you request.

You should still register even if you are waiting to hear whether your local meeting may help with costs.

Maximum Scholarship Amount

The largest scholarship FGC usually provides is half of the total Gathering cost using the least expensive housing option.

For people receiving workgrants, the maximum scholarship is half of the remaining balance after the workgrant is applied.

Information about housing costs is available on the accommodations page.

Exceptions

Some exceptions may apply, including:

  • Recipient of U.S. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Canadian Guaranteed Income Supplement  (GIS)
  • Recipient of U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Income below the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines or Canadian LICO
  • Other extraordinary financial circumstances.

Funding from Monthly and Yearly Meetings

Consider also asking your monthly meeting or yearly meeting for support. Many meetings are excited to help their members participate in the Gathering and have money available for spiritual nurture, Quaker education, intervisitation, etc.

Mahala Ashley Dickerson & Bayard Rustin Funds

Travel and Registration Support for Friends of Color

These funds help Friends of Color attend the Gathering and participate in FGC programs.

Grants may help pay for:

  • Travel to the FGC Gathering
  • Registration fees for the Gathering

Because funding is limited, Friends who have already received support two or more times may not receive additional grants right away.

More information and applications are available on the Mahala Ashley Dickerson & Bayard Rustin Funds page.

Travel Grants for Western Friends

A special fund provides travel grants for Friends who live in western North America.

You may qualify if you:

  • Are 35 or younger, or
  • Are a parent of a Gathering participant under 18

Eligible Friends may receive up to $350 per person while funds last.

To qualify, you must live in the United States or Canada west of or including:

  • New Mexico
  • Colorado
  • Wyoming
  • Montana
  • Saskatchewan
  • Manitoba
  • Northwest Territories
  • Alaska

Apply for this travel grant during Gathering registration.

Support for Young Adults from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

Young adults ages 18–35 from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM) may qualify for additional financial aid.

These funds help cover Gathering registration fees.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Members of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting meetings
  • PYM members-at-large

To apply, simply state your financial need during Gathering registration and include the amount you are requesting.

What if My Financial Aid Need Is Not Met?

If the financial aid provided to you is not enough to allow you to attend, you may cancel without penalty if you cancel within one week of learning of your financial aid award.  

Updated March 16, 2026

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