YoungArts - Emergency Microgrants

YoungArts award winners age 18+ who can receive taxable U.S. income, have practiced as artist/educator/production professional for last 3 years, and rely on that income for monthly living expenses (housing, food, medical). Experiencing unforeseen income loss. Must have completed YoungArts Post profile. Selected by lottery with redacted personal information.

1. Register and complete YoungArts Post profile.
2. Apply for Emergency Microgrant when experiencing income loss.
3. Await lottery selection among eligible applicants.
4. Use funds for living expenses (see ineligible expense rules).

• YoungArts Post profile
• Emergency microgrant application documenting income loss eligibility

Launched in November 2018, the Microgrants program was developed to provide YoungArts award winners with up to $1,000 monthly to support a wide range of artist needs and professional development opportunities. In 2019, the maximum grant allotment per artist increased to $3,000, and was increased again in 2021 to $5,000. Applicants apply via open call and must submit a detailed description of the project or need for their request and commit to providing documentation of the funds used if monies are awarded. There can be multiple recipients of a portion of the monthly $20,000 grant allocation. Monies may be requested for any expenses related to professional or artistic development prior to the work taking place, including travel expenses to a residency, registration fees for a conference or class, the purchase of equipment, studio rental fees, etc. Creative microgrants are not awarded as reimbursements for expenses already incurred.

YoungArts winners across decades; expanded emergency support also provided after crises (e.g. 2025 LA wildfires)