Emerging Voices Award

The SCBWI Emerging Voices Award, established through funding from the 455 Foundation, supports diverse voices in children's literature. Two recipients each year receive full tuition to a virtual SCBWI conference, special presentations to acquiring agents and editors, and professional career development guidance. Eligible applicants must be SCBWI members over 18 from traditionally underrepresented identities—including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, disabled, and neurodiverse creators—who are unpublished, unrepresented, and submitting a complete original manuscript in English for young readers. The 2026 submission window is July 1-31.

Farmworkers Advancement Program (FAP) Grant for Program Year 2026-27 (PY 26-27) is sponsored by Employment Development Department. The goal of this grant is to fund projects that focus on farmworker needs at a regional level by offering essential skills and upskilling training for farmworkers to either advance in the agricultural industry and/or prepare for advancement outside of the agricultural sector. This grant program is intended to address multiple existing and emerging gaps in the current workforce system for farmworkers. FAP PY 26-27 programs will position farmworkers to obtain access to good-quality jobs including jobs that pay family-sustaining wages, offer benefits, have predictable hours, opportunities for career advancement, and promote worker voice. Projects will also provide wrap-around support and resources to build skills to prevent job loss and lay the foundation for upward mobility. Funded programs will assist with referrals to health, housing, educational resources, and career and financial coaching. This SFP aims to build on previous Farmworkers Advancement Program efforts. Funding is available for programs demonstrating a track record of workforce outcomes. There is $10 million available through FAP PY 26-27, and the EDD anticipates that an estimated 8 organizations will be funded. Only one application per organization will be accepted. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to leverage at least 20 percent of their budget with leveraged resources from other sources. Applicants are encouraged to leverage human capital, and utilize other resources to maximize the project's success. Proposals must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT on October 12, 2026. An informational webinar will be held on September 15, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT. Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register through the link in the SFP by 9 a.m. PT on September 15, 2026. The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by September 25, 2026, at noon PT to WSBSFP3@edd.ca.gov. To view the SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitation for Proposals webpage.

Luminarts Project Grants is a grant from Luminarts Cultural Foundation that funds exemplary emerging artists in Chicago, supporting the city's vibrant and sustainable cultural infrastructure. Founded in 1949 and deeply rooted in the Union League Club of Chicago, Luminarts identifies and invests in artists across disciplines to amplify their voices and careers. Eligible applicants are early-career artists residing in the Chicago area who demonstrate exceptional artistic talent and potential. Specific award amounts, disciplines supported, and application deadlines are announced on an annual basis through the foundation's grant portal.