Miller Arts Scholars
Miller Arts Scholars

Artist Mini Grants

The McKinnon Artist Mini Grants are supported by the Diane McKinnon Memorial Endowment, established in 2016 by Evelyn Colbert ’85 and Stephen Colbert in memory of Diane McKinnon, a 1985 alumna of Arts & Sciences. The fund honors her legacy by supporting student artistic growth and creative development.

Purpose of the Mini Grant

Arts Scholars may request up to $500 to support activities and materials that meaningfully strengthen their artistic education. Projects should clearly advance the applicant’s artistic practice and contribute to their broader creative and professional development.

All requested expenses must be directly connect to creative work and practice. Eligible expenses may include:

  • Workshop or conference fees
  • Fieldwork expenses
  • Project-specific supplies and materials
  • Educational resources
  • Promotional materials tied to presenting or documenting the work

Budgets must be realistic, carefully justified, and aligned with the actual needs of the project. Applicants are expected to request only the amount necessary to complete the work, rather than automatically requesting the full $500.

Proposals may be submitted individually or as part of a group collaboration. For collaborative projects, each member must submit a separate proposal clearly outlining their specific role, contributions, and individual budget request. Each group member may request and receive up to $500 in funding.

Applicants are required to consult with a faculty mentor prior to submitting their application. This consultation must include discussion of the project scope and proposed budget to ensure the request is appropriate, feasible, and aligned with the goals of the work.

The Grant Do Not Support

  • Equipment or materials already available through University labs, studios, or other campus resources. Applicants are expected to use institutional resources responsibly before seeking grant funds.
  • Reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to application approval
  • Direct payment for services to UVA students, faculty, or staff
  • Books readily available through the university library
  • Routine coursework expenses or standard class-related costs

Selection Criteria

  • Artistic merit and potential for creative growth
  • Overall clarity and quality of the proposal
  • Demonstrated need and feasibility of the project
  • Relevance to the applicant’s past work and artistic trajectory
  • Anticipated impact of the project on the applicant’s development
  • Level of participation and engagement in our departments and within the Miller Arts Scholars program  

The faculty advisory committee gives strong consideration to applicants who demonstrate meaningful engagement within their departments, with faculty, and in the Miller Arts Scholars Program through seminars, discussions, events, and related activities.

Eligibility

All Arts Scholars, except those in the second semester of their fourth year, are eligible to apply. Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled and actively engaged in the College of Arts and Sciences through a major, minor, or sustained coursework in an artistic discipline
  • Have completed or are currently enrolled in CASS 1010 or CASS 1011 (This requirement is waived in the spring semester for Arts Scholars admitted during the spring of their second year.)
  • Demonstrate consistent and active participation in Miller Arts Scholars program activities and cohort engagement
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 in arts courses and a 3.2 cumulative University GPA
  • If previously funded, have submitted the required outcome statement before reapplying

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

  • Completed Application Form
  • Current resume
  • Proposal with detailed budget

All materials must be combined into a single PDF titled: Lastname_Firstname_AMG_Year_Semester_Proposal.pdf

Proposal Guidelines

The proposal (including the budget) must not exceed 2 single-spaced pages, using a 12-point font.

If funded, the narrative may be published on the Miller Arts Scholars website.

The proposal should be written in a clear, professional grant-writing style and must include:

  • Project title
  • Description of the work: Nature of the creative project and rationale for support
  • Objectives and significance: Artistic goals, anticipated outcomes, and importance of the work
  • Methods and timeline: How the work will be carried out and completed
  • Detailed budget: Itemized expenses with justification 
  • Impact Statement (optional but encouraged): How the project will contribute to your artistic growth and/or the broader arts community

Important Deadlines

  • Fall Application Deadline: TBD
  • Fall Minigrant Outcome Report Deadline: 60 days from receipt of Minigrant
  • Spring Application Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
  • Spring Minigrant Outcome Report Deadline: 60 days from receipt of Minigrant

Funding decisions are typically announced within 2–3 weeks of the application deadline. Awards are processed and distributed as soon as administratively feasible thereafter. 

Ready to Submit your Application?

Submit your materials through the  McKinnon Artist Mini Grant Application Form  

*Only complete applications received by the stated deadline will be reviewed. Late, incomplete, or incorrectly formatted submissions will not be considered.