Scholarships offered by private organizations or donors support advancement of the arts.
Private organizations and donors provide scholarships for liberal, visual, media and performing arts to undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are usually offered through partnerships with academic institutions or private associations, to honor the memory of outstanding contributors to the arts or recognize life-long arts patrons. Grant awards range from $500 to $8,000. Application dates vary depending on the scholarship program.
Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarships
The Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarships for Migrant Farm Workers provides funding for award recipients to pursue studies in visual arts, performance arts, media, video, poetry and writing, and traditional crafts. Applicants can apply for grants of less than $500 at any time throughout the year by submitting an application form. Applicants applying for up to $2,500 in funding must submit an application by June 1 or Nov. 1 of each calendar year, provide a budget proposal, letter of recommendation and professional portfolio. Eligible applicants must have reached 16 years of age and provide proof of intent to obtain work in agriculture.
F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship
The F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship provides $15,000 in funding for students to pursue studies in architecture, painting, drama, dance, literature, music, photography and sculpture. Eligible applicants must have lived in Northeast Pennsylvania for a period of time, demonstrate artistic promise and aptitude, and intend to use the award to further studies and support their life-long career as artists. Applicants must submit an application form, examples of professional work and letters of recommendation. Applications are due by Dec. 15 of each calendar year.
Michael Jackson Scholarship
Undergraduate and graduate students who attend United Negro College Fund (UNCF) academic institutions can apply for the Michael Jackson Scholarship. The $5,000 award provides funding for students studying fine arts, media arts, visual arts, communications, music, theater and performing arts disciplines. Students must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0, attend a UNCF academic institution and complete the online scholarship application form. Applications are due by Feb. 28 of each calendar year.
Tyler School of Art Scholarship Program
The Tyler School of Art Scholarship Program provides Portfolio scholarships, Edna Weinstein scholarships, and Gilroy Roberts scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate studies. Portfolio scholarships range from $1,000 to full-tuition costs for up to four years of study in the fields of architecture and art history. The Edna Weinstein scholarship provides up to $8,000 in funding over four years of Bachelor of Fine Arts, BFA full-time study. The scholarship is based on demonstration of financial need. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Gilroy Roberts scholarship is awarded to applicants completing a BFA from Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County, and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. The $1,000 award is renewable over four years of BFA study. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Applications are due by Feb. 1 for transfer and existing BFA students, and March 1 for freshman students.
