VPA Maker Microgrant for Individual Students AY 23

Student Eligibility

• Currently enrolled undergraduate/co-term Stanford students. Students on Leave of Absences are not eligible. Students participating in Bing Overseas Studies Program are only eligible once they are back on campus. Frosh/soph, transfer students, and first-time applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Applicant can apply as an individual or as a small group (does not require VSO or any campus sponsorship). We encourage students of all forms and levels of artistic experience to apply.
• Cannot be combined with other University awards (e.g. Undergraduate Research grants, etc.)

Project Eligibility

Small, short-term projects, low-intensity visual art projects lasting 10 weeks or less that take place within the Stanford campus. Longer term projects should utilize Undergraduate Research small grants or other campus funding. Maker Microgrants are prioritized for emerging artistic voices within the Stanford community.

Examples of possible Microgrant projects include (but are not limited to): experimenting with a new visual art medium, sewing an avant-garde outfit, props for a small photo shoot, and more.

Grant Awards and Payments

Microgrant awards range from $150 - $300. Grants are paid as stipends to the lead applicant through Student Financial Services. 

Stipend payments will normally be considered taxable income to the student, although no deductions will be withheld at the time the payment is made (withholding may be necessary for some international students). For further guidance related to taxes, the student should consult with Student Financial Services.

Applications are only accepted through SOLO and include the following:

1. Project lead contact information 
2. Project summary
3. Project timeline
4. Project proposal
5. Project budget (PDF upload)
6. Work samples (optional; recommended to assist reviewers in reviewing your application. Work samples can range from concept sketches, mood boards, etc.)

Use of Grant Funds

Examples of approved project funds for visual arts materials are the following: acrylic and watercolor paint sets, modeling clay, screen printing materials, 35mm and medium format film photography processing fees, wood and related supplies for carving, zine printing costs.

Student Arts Grants for Individuals do not cover the following types of project costs:

• VSO- or residence-related event programming (see: VPA Student Arts Grant for VSOs)
• audio & visual equipment (alternatives: Equipment Lending Library, Lathrop Tech Desk)
• Software (alternative: The Hub)
• Sewing machine (alternative: Roble Arts Gym's equipment)
• Subscription services
• Ad fees
• Off-campus activities
• Fundraising activities
• Commercial activities
• Travel-related activities
• Course fees
• Expenses exceeding maximum grant allocation ($300)
• Payments to Stanford affiliates (e.g, students, staff, faculty, postdocs, etc.)
• Honoraria or fees to other individuals, organizations, and businesses
• Expenses related to a capstone project, thesis, or coursework.

If you have any questions about whether your proposed project materials can be covered by the grant please contact Erina Alejo (ealejo@stanford.edu)