Conference Funding
Thanks to our donors and supporters, ACA is able to offer limited financial assistance toward registration fees. Our goal is to help offset overall costs of participation for artists and others who may not have access to institutional support. To inquire about eligibility, please complete this brief form.
Funding Support by State
Below is a list of state arts councils and commissions that offer funding to support conference travel and attendance for artists and arts administrators. Review the details for each opportunity below.
California
Quick Grant Program Provides up to $600 to California-based artists, creatives, cultural practitioners, cultural producers, and nonprofit arts administrators in San Francisco/San Jose. Funds may be used for professional development activities that enhance administrative skills, build business capacity, and strengthen financial sustainability.
Deadline: 15th of each month (decisions announced one month later)
More Info: https://www.cciarts.org/quick_grant.htm
Idaho
Professional Development for Individuals Grants Offers up to $600 for artists and arts administrators to attend conferences, workshops, or other professional development events. Applicants must provide a 1:1 funding match (grant must equal half or less of total costs). Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the agency at least a month in advance for a courtesy review.
Deadline: November 10
More Info: https://arts.idaho.gov/grants/profdev-individuals/
Mississippi
Mini Grants for Organizations Reimbursement-based grants of up to $1,000 to support professional development and capacity building for Mississippi-based nonprofit organizations and government entities. Funds may cover registration, lodging, and travel expenses. A 1:1 funding match is required.
Deadline: June 1 and November 1
More Info: https://arts.ms.gov/grants-for-organizations/minigrants-for-organizations/
Montana
Strategic Investment Grants (SIG) Provides up to $1,000 for professional development, market expansion, and participation in arts events. Open to artists, teachers, and nonprofit organizations. A 1:1 funding match is required.
Deadline: 15th of each month (decisions announced one month later)
More Info: https://art.mt.gov/sig
South Carolina
Artist Development Grants The South Carolina Arts Commission offers up to $2,500 to support SC artist’ and organizations’ quality arts projects, marketing, and events and/or their commitment to improving themselves and/or their work artistically activities that enhance artistic skill or business viability, including conference and event attendance. A 1:1 funding match is required.
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Individuals are encouraged to apply early.
More Info: https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/grant/aps/
Vermont
Artist Development Grants Vermont Arts Council offers up to $2,000 to support Vermont artists in activities that enhance artistic skill or business viability, including conference and event attendance.
Deadline: September 7
More Info: https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/grants/find-a-grant/artists/artist-development/
Other regional councils or private institutions may have additional opportunities near you - we encourage you to research what might be available!
For example, regional arts councils in MN have "quick support" opportunities for individual artists up to $1k for which this would qualify. And it's always a great way to be in conversation and relationship with your local and regional arts councils!