LEAD Conference Scholarships

IAC is offering scholarship funds of up to $1,500 to cover expenses related to attending the 2025 Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability (LEAD) Conference, to include registration, travel, and hotel costs. The 2025 LEAD Conference will be held in Cleveland, OH, August 18- August 22, 2025.

Applications will be accepted from staff of eligible Illinois not-for-profit arts organizations, units of government, and institutions of higher education that are directly responsible for making cultural arts programs and facilities accessible for people with disabilities. Priority will be given to IAC grantees that are first-time attendees and those from rural, high-poverty, BIPOC, and disability communities. Please note this scholarship is taxable.

LEAD Conference registration and hotel information is available online at https://web.cvent.com/event/7944db10-dcc7-4584-83ea-dcf4cdd2eade/summary

At the time of application, individual applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Certify that they are:
  • Currently and have been a legal resident of the state of Illinois for at least 12 months prior to the application deadline.
• Submit a copy of one of the following:
  • A valid Illinois driver’s license, which includes the date issued and expiration date.
  • A valid State of Illinois identification card that includes the date issued and expiration date.
• NOT be enrolled in any degree or certificate-granting program (including high school, bachelor's, or master's degree programs) at the time of application or during the award period. (Ph.D. candidates need to have completed their coursework by the application deadline to be eligible.)
• NOT have received a LEAD scholarship in 2024.
• Apply utilizing a Salesforce account registered to the individual applicant, not the organization.

The 2025 LEAD Conference Scholarship applications are entered in the IAC’s Salesforce Grants Management System. Once you are logged in, please then follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Applicant Information” tab and ensure your contact information is included and up to date.
2. Click on the “Grant Programs” tab
3. Click on the grant “LEAD Scholarships 2025.”
4. Click the Apply button.
   • Select the individual applicant that will be attending the conference.
5. Under Supporting Documents, please upload: 
   • The narrative should be no more than 1 page and indicate:
     • Information about your organization including mission and description of community served.
     • Your background as an arts administrator along with any current arts affiliations; and
     • If you are a first-time attendee and your goals for attending the conference.  
   • The budget should:
     • Be specific to hotel, travel and registration expenses (not per diem or meals);
     • Include the amount you are requesting (not to exceed $1,500); and
     • Specify how you plan to cover any remaining costs if the total amount of expenses exceeds what you are requesting. (Note: Please request only what is needed, as this will allow us to award more scholarships.)
     • Please Note: While the IAC intends to consider applications for full funding, should requests exceed the funds allocated, the IAC may contact applicants with an option of partial support.
   • Proof of Residency should include a copy of one of the following:
     • A valid Illinois driver’s license, which includes the date issued and expiration date. 
     • A valid State of Illinois identification card, which includes the date issued and expiration date.
6. When those documents are uploaded, click the submit button.
7. Certify the application and click submit again.

Contact IAC Director of Strategic Partnerships Teresa Davis by email at Teresa.N.Davis@illinois.gov with any questions.