Conference Scholarships & Awards

Scholarships

The Small Museum Association is pleased to offer scholarships to support participation in the 2027 Small Museum Association Annual Conference. These scholarships are designed to help make professional development and networking opportunities accessible to individuals at all stages of their museum careers!

2027 Scholarship recipients will receive free registration to the conference and a travel stipend of $500 to help offset the costs associated with attending the conference. The stipend may be used toward eligible conference-related expenses, such as travel and lodging.

About the Conference
Eligibility

While the scholarships are open to all interested applicants, special consideration will be given to individuals who are:

  • New to the museum field or beginning their museum careers
  • Considering a career in museums, nonprofit organizations, or related fields
  • Currently studying or completing a degree or program related to museums, nonprofit management, public history, education, or a related field
  • Transitioning into a new position, department, or area of work within the museum field
  • Seeking professional development opportunities that will support their continued growth in the field

Scholarships are intended to support a broad range of applicants, and applicants do not need to be current SMA members or have extensive museum experience to apply.

Expectations

If selected, SMA scholarship recipients will be expected to agree to the following terms and conditions:

  • Conference Attendance: Scholarship recipients will receive a code to use to register for the conference at no cost. Active participation is essential to maximize the benefits of this invaluable professional development opportunity, so scholarship recipients are expected to attend all scheduled conference sessions, workshops, and events during the SMA Annual Conference.
  • Assistance with Sessions: Scholarship recipients will be assigned sessions where they will keep time for speakers, distribute surveys, and other duties as assigned.
Sponsoring Scholarships

If your organization would like to sponsor a scholarship, please email our Scholarships & Awards Coordinator for more information.

Application Requirements
  • Complete scholarship application linked below, describing your interest in attending the conference, current or anticipated role in the museum / nonprofit field, and how participation in the conference would support your professional development.
  • Email the following to our Scholarships & Awards Coordinator:
    • Most recent resume
    • Brief letter of reference from a supervisor or advisor who can speak to your experience, interests, professional goals, and/or potential for growth in the field
Deadline

All requested application materials must be submitted by November 9, 2026.

Click here to apply
Questions?

Contact our Scholarships & Awards Coordinator.