Gathering FAQ
FGC wants Friends to attend the in-person Gathering regardless of financial need. Scholarships and workgrants are available for those registering for the full in-person Gathering or half-Gathering, but not for part-time registrants. Register in early April to get highest priority for financial assistance.
A workgrant is a fee waiver for specific volunteer service during the Gathering. You can apply for a workgrant or scholarship when you register for the Gathering. Priority for scholarships goes to Friends in FGC-affiliated meetings. There is also funding specifically to help Friends of Color attend FGC events – learn more about applying for this funding.
As well, many monthly meetings have funds for just these type of events – we suggest you ask your meeting early!
Gathering Committee
Absolutely. While it’s helpful to have some committee members with prior experience, all sorts of skills and experience are helpful in planning the Gathering.
Financial assistance is certainly available to those who need it. However, there is not assistance for the costs of travelling to the Gathering itself. Limited travel assistance to meetings is only available from locations in the US and Canada.
Each Gathering Committee is responsible for planning the program of one particular Gathering and providing care for that Gathering when it meets. A new committee is constituted for each Gathering. Friends serving on the committee are asked to serve on one of several subcommittees. The Committee usually first meets as a whole in the spring of the year prior to its Gathering. Read more about Gathering Committee.
How do I join the FGC Gathering Committee? If you’re interested in serving on the 2024 Gathering Committee, please complete this Sign Up Form. There are also many opportunities to volunteer when you register for Gathering. If you’re interested in other committee service with FGC, see our Volunteer Interest Form.
What is Friends General Conference (i.e. FGC)? FGC is an association of sixteen yearly meetings and regional groups and ten directly-affiliated monthly meetings that serves Quakers with a vast array of programs and services.
Please ask the Gathering Office staff 215-561-1700 ext 3200, or email Gathering Staff.