Israel Quest Grants
Making Israel Possible for More Teens
Photo: Capital Camps & Retreat Center
A Trip That Stays With You
While Israel Quest does not operate travel programs, teens who participate in eligible Israel trips often return with something lasting—something more than souvenirs or snapshots.
Teens come home with a deeper sense of self, a new understanding of Jewish peoplehood, and stories that start with “I didn’t expect to feel so connected…”
“Being immersed in the culture strengthened my Judaism in ways nothing else had.”
“I understood more by hearing directly from people who live in Israel.”
These reflections capture the heart of Israel Quest: identity-shaping experiences that feel part of something bigger and stay with them long after they’re home. And now, with expanded eligibility for 2025–26 and a hassle-free application, even more teens across Greater Washington can say yes to an Israel experience that shapes their identity and stays with them for life.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for an Israel Quest grant, teens must:
- Identify as Jewish
- Live in Greater Washington
- Travel between 8th–12th grade or the summer after high school
- Be a first-time Israel Quest recipient
What Kinds of Trips Qualify
Israel Quest provides financial support for qualified Israel travel programs; families select their preferred program provider.
To ensure a meaningful and immersive experience, eligible trips must:
- Include at least 14 days in Israel (other destinations may be part of the itinerary, but only Israel days count)
- Be peer-based teen programs (family trips, day school trips, and academic-year programs do not qualify)
- Provide significant travel throughout Israel
- Offer a meaningful Jewish identity experience
- Explore Israeli history, culture, society, and key sites through a well-rounded itinerary
Final application deadline: April 1, 2026
Funding is limited, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.
Grant amounts are based on the total number of days spent on the ground in Israel
- $1,000 • 2–3 weeks
- $1,850 • 4–5 weeks
- $2,250 • 6–13 weeks
- $3,000 • 14+ weeks
Grants may not exceed 30% of the total trip cost and are awarded once per teen for a trip to Israel.
Israel Quest is a grant program that helps make teen travel to Israel possible. It’s not a trip provider—it’s a way to help more teens connect deeply with Jewish life, Israel, and one another.
Through funding and support, we’re encouraging teens to explore their Jewish identity, strengthen their connection to Israel, and stay engaged through meaningful educational and social experiences.
Any eligible teen may apply, but grants are limited and awarded first come, first served. Submitting your application early is the best way to secure funding.
Yes. Students at Jewish day schools can apply as long as the trip is not part of the school’s academic curriculum and meets all trip guidelines.
If your trip is canceled, you must work with the provider to refund the grant amount back to Federation. You may reapply for a similar trip that summer, but funds cannot be rolled over to a future year.
If you withdraw, are discharged, or leave early for any reason, you must notify Israel Quest immediately. Any funding received must be returned. You and your family are responsible for working with the provider to ensure the grant is refunded in a timely manner.
No.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington offers grant funding only—it does not organize, operate, or oversee any trips.
Once your application is approved and your liability waiver is submitted, Federation sends the grant directly to your trip provider.
Important: Apply at least one month before your provider’s final payment deadline to avoid late fees due to processing delays.
