"Creativity Takes Courage" Scholarship for Art Students

Georgia graduating high school seniors may compete for memorial scholarships from the Brooke Elaina Thomas Foundation. The board selects one or more students annually; awards may be rescinded if a student does not enroll in an accredited institution. At least $1,000 is awarded annually. Submit a completed application, FAFSA Student Aid Report, a double-spaced composition of up to 500 words on your creative vision for your life and how you plan to make an impact, unofficial SAT and/or ACT scores, an unofficial transcript, and three recommendation letters (one from a school official, one from a church or community acquaintance, and one additional from either source).

For established scholars, recent Ph.D.s, or Ph.D. candidates who have completed all requirements except dissertation research, pursuing research on Native American music of the United States and Canada. Preference goes to projects using Dr. Halpern's Northwest Coast collection. The biennial award includes a $4,000 research fellowship plus a separate $1,000 post-publication prize; previous recipients may not reapply for three years. Submit a research proposal (up to four single-spaced pages), budget, CV, two references, and (for Ph.D. candidates) a letter verifying ABD status.

Ninth through twelfth grade instrumentalists and vocalists in structured music study who reside in Sarasota or Manatee County, Florida, may apply. Awards are up to $4,000 and may fund music lessons, instruments, camps, or college music tuition for seniors. The number of recipients varies. Submit an application with an audition recording of at least two pieces from different time periods and contrasting styles. Competitive auditions follow application review, and winners perform at a public concert. The program is administered by Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota in partnership with Sarasota Music Club.

Graduating high school seniors whose parent has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, or who lost a parent to colorectal cancer, may apply for the Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation Scholarship in Memory of Jim Gainey. Three awards of $4,000 are offered annually. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA and proof of acceptance to a college, university, nursing program, military service education, or trade school. Submit the official fillable PDF application from the foundation website by April 15. Scholarship funds are released upon proof of registration. The award supports students whose lives have been impacted by a parent's colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Individual Iowa artists age 18 or older who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and full-time Iowa residents may apply for one-time professional development funding. Artist groups and collectives are ineligible, as are applicants with certain other active Iowa Arts Council grants. Grants range from $500 to $5,000 with no match required. Funds cover workshops, classes, mentorship, artist residencies, and related direct expenses incurred during the eligible funding period. Applications open on a rolling basis from May 2026 through April 15, 2027, or until funds are expended, for activities in fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027). Decisions typically arrive within eight to twelve weeks of submission. The Iowa Arts Council, within the Iowa Economic Development Authority, administers this program with state and National Endowment for the Arts funding.

New Jersey residents aged 18 to 45 with permanent physical disabilities who are pursuing education or training that prepares them for employment may apply for the Louise C. Nacca Memorial Scholarship for Educational Aid to the Disabled. Eligible paths include college, graduate or professional school, and trade programs that lead to an occupation. Award amounts vary. Funds may cover tuition, books, study aids, educational equipment, transportation, and related services. Prepare documentation confirming New Jersey residency and permanent physical disability, identify an eligible program, and submit the application by April 30 of the award year (applications typically become available beginning in June).