Gatherday gives cash directly to event hosts to cover the costs of their gathering. While the true incentive to gather is each other, cash acts as a catalyst for action.
Our intention is to fund meaningful, in-person gatherings. Birthday parties and Super Bowl parties are already happening, whereas deep communal experiences are becoming rare.
How It Works
This is small enough to create close bonds, but large enough to offer a range of perspectives.
Gatherings are intended for groups of 6-20 people.
Gatherday releases funds in what we call “cash drops.” When a drop opens, applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Once all the funds for that drop have been distributed, the drop will close. If you’re looking to host a gathering after a drop has closed, you will be given the chance to sign up for a waitlist so you can be notified when the next cash drop opens.
Cash Drops
How can I use the money?
You can apply for up to $150 to cover expenses that are central to your gathering, such as:
Food and non-alcoholic beverages
Materials & supplies for gathering activities
Temporary space rental & party decor
Group transportation or parking costs
Group childcare during the event
Please scroll down to read our full policies on permitted and prohibited expenses.
Ways to integrate intentionality and meaning:
Do something for others
Creative expression
Group reflection
Meaningful discussions
Do something for the environment
Problem-solving
Celebrate someone
Do something challenging together
Personal vulnerability
Learn something together
Include someone new
Intentional questions or rhythms
Diverse perspectives
Share stories
Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be approved.
Gatherday Policies
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You must be an individual (not an organization).
You must be at least 18 years old.
You and your gathering must be located in the United States.
Your gathering must take place within 60 days of applying for funds.
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Funds should be used to cover expenses that are central to facilitating a meaningful gathering, such as:
Food and non-alcoholic beverages
Materials & supplies for gathering activities
Temporary space rental & party decor
Group transportation or parking costs
Group childcare during the event
Funds cannot be used for:
Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or drugs
Dangerous, harmful, or illicit items
Direct payments/monetary rewards for attendees
Personal expenses of the host
Religious or political promotional material
Donations to an organization
Any type of gambling or investment
Any expenses related to activities that are illegal under local, state, or federal law
Funding requests that do not explicitly fall into either of these categories will be processed at Gatherday’s discretion, using this criteria:
Is this type of gathering already incentivized in society?
Is this expense central to facilitating this gathering?
Gatherday reserves the right to update or amend this policy at any time to reflect changes in our funding priorities.
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Our goal is to fund in-person events that are not typically incentivized in society.
We do not fund the following types of gatherings:
Digital events (ex: Zoom parties)
Events with less than 6 or more than 20 attendees
Family gatherings (more than 50% family)
Parties for major holidays
Birthdays
Graduations
Religious ceremonies
Organizational or transactional events
Extreme fringe, explicit, and cultic gatherings
Anything that could be considered illegal or harmful
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All gathering hosts are required to submit a post-gathering verification form. This form will be sent to you the day after your gathering. You will be asked to submit a receipt and a time-stamped photo from your event. If you fail to submit this form within two weeks of your gathering, you will not be eligible to receive funds from Gatherday in the future.
You can preview the Post-Gathering Verification here.
Want to learn more about cash distributions as an intervention?
Over 300 studies from around the world prove their effectiveness and efficiency. You can read the research here.