Stanford offers several channels through which student artists can find funding for curricular and extracurricular projects.
Every year, the Office of the Vice President for the Arts (VPA) helps fund hundreds of projects by Stanford artists across artistic disciplines.
VPA offers grants to Stanford students, faculty, and academic staff members in order to weave arts experiences into the fabric of campus life. The grants foster the communion of members of diverse communities and disciplines around art, support the vibrant student arts community, drive the innovation of new art forms and ways of engaging with art, scholarship, and bring arts professionals onto campus to inspire and collaborate with students and practitioners.
Robert M. Golden Medal for Excellence in the Humanities and the Creative Arts
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
The Robert M. Golden Medal for Excellence in the Humanities and the Creative Arts is awarded to the top ten percent of all honors theses in the humanities, as well as to designated senior projects or performances in the arts.
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Award
The Deans' Awards for Academic Achievement
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
The Deans' Award for Academic Achievement, inaugurated in Spring 1988, is given each year to between five and ten extraordinary undergraduate students. These students deserve campus recognition for academic endeavors that might not otherwise be celebrated.
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Award
The Louis Sudler Prize in the Performing and Creative Arts
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Established in 2006, this is one of Stanford's most selective recognitions of a student's overall academic performance. The top 25 graduating seniors in the School of Humanities and Sciences are honored for their efforts and academic achievements throughout their undergraduate education.
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Award
Humanities & Sciences Undergraduate Prize in Music
Music
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Award
Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Awards
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
The Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Awards recognize distinctive and exceptional contributions to undergraduate education or the quality of student life at Stanford. The contribution may be made for such activities as curriculum design, program development, advising excellence, residential education, committee leadership, or extracurricular education.
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Award
Geballe Prize for Writing
Writing
The Geballe Prize was established to encourage Stanford University faculty and students to utilize the Cantor Arts Center as a resource for intellectual discovery by honoring outstanding examples of writing related to the Cantor, its collections, exhibitions, or programs. Submissions may be analytical, argumentative, or creative prose or poetry written by any undergraduate independently or as part of coursework in any discipline.
Annual
Spring
UG
All undergraduate Stanford University students who write research or expository papers, creative prose, or poetry that relates in some way to the Cantor Arts Center, its collections, exhibitions, or programs are eligible.
Award
Bocock/Guerard Prize in Fiction
Writing
The prize will be awarded to the best works of fiction, experimental or traditional.
Annual
Spring
UG
Award
Creative Nonfiction Prize
Writing
The prize will be awarded to the best work of creative nonfiction.
Annual
Spring
UG
Award
Mary Steinbeck Dekker Award in Fiction
Writing
The Creative Writing Program announces the annual competition for the Mary Steinbeck Dekker prize for a short story submitted by a Stanford undergraduate in their senior year. The prize will be awarded to the best work of fiction, experimental or traditional.
Annual
Spring
UG
Open to current seniors
Award
Planet Earth Arts Creative Writing Prize
Writing
The Creative Writing Program announces the annual competition for the Planet Earth Arts Creative Writing Prize for works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that explore environmental themes. The mission of Planet Earth Arts is to harness the universal language and transformational power of the arts and human creativity – inspiring individuals to claim planetary sustainability as the most urgent issue of our time. Planet Earth Arts believes that the unique voice of the novelist, the poet, the writer is essential to the conversation and that Stanford students can utilize the art and craft of writing in service of the continuity of life on earth.
Annual
Spring
UG
Award
Urmy/Hardy Prize in Poetry
Writing
The Creative Writing Program announces the annual competition for The Urmy/Hardy Poetry Prize for poetry of high literary merit, traditional or experimental.
Annual
Spring
UG
Award
Wiley Birkhofer in Poetry
Writing
The Creative Writing Program announces the annual competition for the Wiley Birkhofer Award in Poetry. Wiley Birkhofer was a Creative Writing Emphasis student in our program
in poetry and graduated from Stanford in 2009. He got his MFA from NYU in 2014. He was a gifted and eloquent poet. His early death in 2014 prevented him exploring these gifts further. This prize honors his memory and his creative example.
Annual
Spring
UG
Award
Ina Coolbrith Memorial Poetry Prize
Writing
The Ina Coolbrith Memorial Poetry Prize is awarded for the best unpublished poem or group of poems by an undergraduate student at Stanford University, the University of California campuses, University of the Pacific, Mills College, Santa Clara University, or St. Mary's College.
Annual
Fall
UG
Award
Carol and Peter Polk Music Award (Instrumental or Vocal Performance)
Music
Annual
Winter/Spring
UG, Coterm, Grad
Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
Award
The Blew-Culley-LaFollette Prize (Piano Performance)
Music
Annual
Winter/Spring
UG
Open to Music majors only
Award
Dan Robinson Prize (Instrumental Performance)
Music
Annual
Winter/Spring
UG
Award
Rita Taylor Prize (Vocal Performance)
Music
Annual
Winter/Spring
UG
Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
Award
Patrick Butler Prize (Piano Performance)
Music
Annual
Winter/Spring
UG
Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
Award
Marie Gibson Prize (Vocal Performance)
Music
Annual
Winter/Spring
UG
Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
Award
Friends of Music Graduate Prize in Music (Vocal or Instrumental Performance)
Music
Annual
Winter/Spring
Coterm, Grad
Award
Friends of Music Chamber Music Award (Chamber Performance)
Music
Annual
Winter/Spring
UG, Coterm, Grad
Open to all Stanford student ensembles
Award
J.E. Wallace Sterling Award
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Each spring, the Stanford Alumni Association invites faculty and staff to nominate a graduating senior for the J.E. Wallace Sterling Award. It is named for J.E. Wallace Sterling, who served as Stanford’s president from 1949 to 1968 and as chancellor until 1985. The award recognizes a senior whose undergraduate leadership and volunteer activities have made the largest impact on the Stanford community. Service might include involvement in athletics, clubs, drama and musical productions, fundraising, journalism, public service, religious organizations, residential education, social and political organizations, student government or university committees.
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Award
Outstanding Achievement Award
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
The Stanford Alumni Association recognizes the top two to three seniors who have made a significant impact on the campus community and whose undergraduate activities demonstrate the strong potential for continued service to the university and the alumni community. Service might include involvement in athletics, clubs, drama and musical productions, fundraising, journalism, public service, religious organizations, residential education, social and political organizations, student government or university committees. The Outstanding Achievement Award was initiated in 2011. Note: Award recipients were finalists for the J.E. Wallace Sterling Award.
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Course Fees/Materials
Painting Materials Grant
Visual Art
Students in financial need who are enrolled in painting courses with Professor Xiaoze Xie may apply for a grant of course materials. Each case is considered on its own merit and the applicant's financial status is evaluated. This grant is on a first-come, first serve basis until materials are no longer available for the quarter.
Quarterly
Final Study List Deadline
UG
Must be enrolled in painting courses with Professor Xiaoze Xie
Course Fees/Materials
Friends of Music Scholarship
Music
This scholarship program has provided means for Stanford students to continue study in applied music. There are over 100 awards granted each quarter in support of private lessons to musicians in degree programs across the seven schools of the University.
Quarterly
Final Study List Deadline
UG, Coterm, Grad
Only for private lessons with Stanford intructors
Course Fees/Materials
Arts Intensive
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Scholarships and financial aid are available to help defray the program fee.
Annual
Winter/Spring
UG
Course Fees/Materials
Arts Immersion
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Financial aid available for students participating in an Arts Immersion trip.
Annual
Fall/Winter
UG
Course Fees/Materials
BOSP Overseas Seminars
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Some financial assistance towards the program fee may be available from BOSP for students with demonstrated financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Office. Students will be notified by BOSP regarding their eligibility for a fee waiver after they get accepted or waitlisted for a specific program. Based on eligibility, some students may qualify for a seminar travel grant to use towards the cost of travel. Eligibility will be determined by the Financial Aid Office. Students may only receive one seminar travel grant during their time at Stanford.
Quarterly
UG
Course Fees/Materials
Financial Aid
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
If you encounter unplanned course fees, contact Financial Aid to learn more about requesting additional aid for the current academic year.
Quarterly
UG, Coterm, Grad
Events
Stanford Speaker's Bureau
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
SSB provides cosponsorships of up to $1500 in honoraria/speaker fees only (i.e. no travel, lodging, etc. expenses).
Rolling
UG, Coterm, Grad
Open to student groups
Events
Stanford Concert Network
Music
Rolling
UG, Coterm, Grad
Open to student groups
Projects
Community Service Work-Study
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
The Community Service Work-Study (CSWS) Program provides academic year and summer employment opportunities for currently enrolled students who receive financial aid at Stanford. It allows them to combine the financial need to work with the personal goal of helping the community. Eligible students have the freedom to design a service experience in collaboration with a partnering organization. Placements during the academic year are on campus or in the local community. Summer placements can be at qualified organizations anywhere in the United States.
Quarterly
UG
Open to current undergraduates
Projects
Undergraduate Research Small Grant
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Small Grants of up to $1,500 maximum support smaller independent projects, and can also be used to enable a particular phase of a larger-scale effort.
Monthly
1st of the month
UG
Projects
Undergraduate Research Major Grant
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Major Grants provide a 10-week stipend of $7,500 in support of full-time immersive summer project commitments.
Annual
March
UG
Projects
Undergraduate Research Chappell-Lougee
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Chappell Lougee Scholarships provide a 10-week stipend of $7,500 for sophomores pursuing full-time immersive summer projects in the humanities, creative arts, and qualitative social sciences.
Annual
December
UG
Open to current sophomores
Award, Projects
Braden Grant for the Study of Oral Narrative
Theater, Music, Dance, Digital Media, Film, Visual Art, Writing
This grant supports the research and creation of an audio documentary based on oral history archives or interviews conducted by the student. Awarded spring quarter.
Annual
March
UG, Coterm
Projects
Art Practice Materials Grant
Visual Art
Awarded on a competitive basis, these grants are intended to pay the direct costs of materials for students enrolled in Independent Study and who undertake independent creative projects on an advanced level. Materials grants cannot be used towards supplies for classes.
Quarterly
Final Study List Deadline
UG
Must be enrolled in an Art Practice independent study
Projects
Community Arts Fellowship
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing
Community Arts Fellows (CAF) have the opportunity to spend a summer working full time in the areas of curating, presenting, outreach and/or arts education with a focus on racial/social justice issues. Fellows may work in the United States or abroad. CAF fellows work with an arts organization or a community-based organization using the arts to further racial/social justice. With the help of IDA staff, CAF Fellows will determine a course of research and preparation for their summer learning experience.
Annual
February
UG
Projects
Cantor Scholars
Visual Art
Cantor Scholars are junior and senior Stanford students who participate in meaningful, in-depth experiences with the museum's collection. Through a research project and the benefit of staff mentorship, you'll be exposed to new ways of thinking about the arts, enriching both your academic and professional life.
Annual
Spring
UG
Open to current juniors and seniors.
Projects
Beagle II Award
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing
The Beagle II Award promotes discovery and exploration by Stanford undergraduates who possess a strong intellectual curiosity, a passionate interest in a particular subject, and a keen spirit of intellectual adventure.
Annual
Winter
UG
Projects
SPICE: Student Projects for Intellectual Community Enhancement
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing
SPICE (Student Projects for Intellectual Community Enhancement) funds allow graduate students to develop projects and activities that promote intellectual community in their departments and beyond.
Annual
Winter
Grad
Projects
Undergraduate Research Conference Grant
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Conference Grants of up to $1,500 support students who have been accepted to present their own project results at a professional or scholarly conference.
Monthly
1st of the month
UG
Projects
Stanford Global Studies
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Looking for funding for travel or research? Many of SGS's programs and centers offer fellowships, internships, scholarships and other funding to students at Stanford.
Varies
UG, Coterm, Grad
Projects
VPA Senior Grant
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Annual
Spring
UG, Coterm
Projects, Events
VPA Student Arts Grant
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Student Arts Grants enhance the rich and varied cultural landscape throughout campus by supporting the creation and presentation of arts projects by current Stanford students. These grants provide financial support for producing on-campus performances and exhibitions featuring Stanford students.
Monthly
Varies
UG, Coterm
Award
Black Arts Award
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Is presented to a student who has excelled in the area(s) of music, dance, theatre and/or visual arts. An ideal candidate for this award is someone who has pronounced dedication to the arts and has freely shared their talent to enhance the Black community or represent the community in a positive way.
Annual
By nomination only
UG, Coterm, Grad
Award
Stanford Asian American Awards-Performing/Fine Arts
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Award
Art History Awards
Visual Art, Digital Media
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Award
Art Practice Awards
Visual Art, Digital Media
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Award
Film & Media Studies Awards
Film, Digital Media
Annual
By nomination only
UG
Projects, Events
IDA Co-Sponsorship
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Contact Evelyn Anderson (evelyna3@stanford.edu) for more information
Rolling
UG, Coterm, Grad
Projects
SARA Partnership Grants
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
SARA Office funds partnership grants to support student and student group initiated projects related to sexual and relationship violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.
Rolling
UG, Coterm, Grad
Projects, Events
Well-Being at Stanford Mini Grants
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply for mini-grants to support well-being projects.
Projects might include, but are not limited to:
* Foster greater resilience and well-being; decrease stress and anxiety
* Advance student well-being in the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion
* Increase peer to peer support
* De-stigmatize mental health issues
* Promote healthy sleep and nutrition habits and body positivity
Rolling
UG, Coterm, Grad
Projects, Events
The Billie Achilles Fund
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Bechtel International Center is pleased to provide funding to encourage programming, with an international focus. The purpose of the fund is to provide support for creative programs developed by student organizations to increase contact and understanding between people of different cultural backgrounds. In order to qualify, events must include an intercultural component. The fund is named after Billie Achilles who was a longtime friend to international students at Stanford.
Rolling
UG, Coterm, Grad
Organizations that are eligible to apply for funds are:
1. registered international student organizations at Stanford
2. registered Stanford student organizations whose goals include international understanding
3. Community Committee for International Students (CCIS)
Events
Cardinal Nights Mini-Grant
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
For on-campus, alcohol-free events during "prime hours" Thur-Sat
Rolling
UG, Coterm, Grad
Events
Haas Center Event Co-Sponsorship
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
The Haas Center for Public Service supports student organization events and programming that enhance the Stanford community by complementing our mission of creating a just and sustainable world through service, scholarship, and community partnerships.
Rolling
UG, Coterm, Grad
Projects, Events
ASSU Standard and Quick Grants
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
Varies
UG, Coterm, Grad
For registered VSOs only
Projects, Events
VPA Faculty Small Grant
Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Writing, Digital Media
For arts-related projects/events beyond the classroom that enrich the campus community.