Our social events are all about getting out, expanding your circle or trying something new with your crew. From our monthly happy hour series, L’Chaim Detroit and dog park meetups to cocktails and crafting workshops—and even the latest recreational crazes like axe throwing or knockerball—these events are simply for having a good time. Come as you are: no agenda, no commitment, “super chill,” as they say.

We love putting on fun programs for the next NEXT generation of proud Jewish Detroiters (and their parents, of course)! Our family events are a great way to meet other young families in the community and have a great time with your little humans.

We’re connecting with our brothers and sisters in Israel through partnerships, travel, learning opportunities and a variety of events and programs throughout the year.

NEXTGen Detroit’s definition of a young adult is someone between the ages of 21 and 39. That’s a huge span of time, and that those 18 years look different for everyone. So, while we love getting everyone together, sometimes it’s nice to focus on connecting with other Jewish Detroiters who are in our age and/or stage of life.

Meet like-minded people who also love lending a hand at a variety of volunteer opportunities we organize throughout the year.

NEXTGen Detroit PRIDE is a welcoming gateway into the Jewish community for LGBTQIA+ young adults who are looking for connection and a supportive atmosphere to explore everything that Jewish Detroit has to offer.

NEXTGen Detroit Balance is a series of programs and events focused on providing young Jewish Detroiters with access to conversations and experiences that promote mental, emotional and physical health and wellness.

Welcome to Detroit! Whether you’re just passing through or looking to make the Motor City home, you picked a great place to hang your hat. Our new-to-town events are here to welcome you and connect you with other newish and Jewish young adults while we show off everything that the NEXTGen Detroit community has to offer.

NEXTGen Detroit’s Interfaith Couples group connects interfaith couples to one another and the greater Jewish community with a variety of events throughout the year. Some of these events get us talking about the challenges of navigating an interfaith relationship, and some are just an opportunity to have a good time. We’re not in the business of teaching how to “be Jewish”—but rather supporting and encouraging couples and families as they explore how to “do Jewish” together.

Made up of 50 of Jewish Detroit’s brightest and best who serve on both our General and Executive Boards, the NEXTGen Detroit Board guides the future of the organization.

Volunteer hosts and chairs work side-by-side with our staff to create meaningful and memorable events and experiences.

Seasoned pro or just starting out? We’ve got career-building ops for everyone. Through our partnership with Gesher Human Services, we offer NEXTWork, a top-tier networking series, and we have an on-staff employment specialist ready to help you make your next big move.

The Liaison program provides a structured pathway for aspiring leaders to engage in board service. Over the course of two years, participants not only serve on a Federation partner agency board, they also partake in leadership training sessions and various Federation activities. This comprehensive involvement is intended to lay a strong foundation for future board service and amplify a participant’s impact within the community.

Federation Insider is a three-part leadership development series that is offered once a year. The program serves as an introduction to NEXTGen Detroit, Federation, our network of partner agencies and the many flavors and facets of Jewish Detroit for those looking to learn more and get involved.

The Herzl Society recognizes young philanthropists who generously support the community with a gift of $2,500 or more to the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Annual Campaign.

The EPIC StepUp program is a pathway for welcoming and cultivating the next generation of Ben-Gurion Society (BGS) donors, designed for young adults who have a strong interest in becoming BGS-level donors but may not be ready to commit to the full BGS gift. EPIC StepUp invites participants to “step up” their giving over three years, with a clear and achievable plan: year one: a $500 gift, year two: a $750 gift and year three: a $1,000 BGS-level gift. From the moment they join, StepUp participants are recognized and celebrated as BGS donors, with access to all BGS benefits and community experiences. 


The Ben-Gurion Society (BGS) locally and nationally recognizes young adults ages 21 to 39 who demonstrate community leadership and give a gift of $1,000 or more to their local Federation’s Annual Campaign. BGS was founded on the principles of David Ben-Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel, who urged young adults to channel their power, passion and resources to build a strong and responsible Jewish community.

Throughout the year, NEXTGen Detroit puts on several seasonal fundraisers that aren’t only amazing nights out, but they also make a huge impact on our community. We throw our young adult fundraisers at some of the coolest spots in Metro Detroit and pack them with entertainment, food, drinks and the opportunity to do good and party hard. We also make sure that the minimum donations to attend these fundraisers are set at a variety of price points so that all members of our young adult community can make a meaningful contribution to Federation’s Annual Campaign and give back while having a great time.