Conference Bursary
Conference bursaries are given out to assist individuals with the costs of travel, accommodation, per diem and registration fees related to conferences in the culture and heritage sector. In return, applicants will be expected to commit to share their learning knowledge and experience from the conference attended with the CMA.
Note: Only travel expenses can be claimed in a Conference bursary application for participation to any CMA conference activity or related symposia.
Application Deadline
Four (4) weeks prior to the commencement of the event. Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. The CMA reserves the right not to process applications that are sent after the deadlines.
Eligibility
Applicants must be:- Employed by public, non-profit museum, related institution/organization OR
- Students registered full-time in museum studies or related program
Applicants must have one of the following durations’ worth of experience:
- Full-time: minimum 1 year
- Part-time: minimum 2 years
- Volunteers: at least 2 years
- Full-time students for at least 2 years
The previous 2-day event minimum is currently suspended until March 31st, 2023. Events eligible for this bursary can last any duration of time, and must be in Canada. Please note that conference presenters are not eligible for the CMA Bursary Program.
Guidelines and Regulations
Read the CMA Bursary Program Guidelines and Regulations for a full list of eligibility requirements. Please send all documentation in PDF, via email. Please contact bursaries@museums.ca if you require accommodations.
Amount and Frequency
Applicants are to be given up to $600 per event. If applicants or events are in remote areas,* applicants may receive up to $800.
Applicants are given 1 bursary per individual in any 24-month period (for museum-related annual conferences).
Please note the CMA is able to fund up to 5 applicants to each event, and 1 applicant per institution/event. Applications that meet the criteria received after funding has been committed will be waitlisted, and contacted in early 2024.
*A remote area is defined as a location that is 80 kilometres or more from the nearest established community with a population of at least 1,000 people.
Eligible Expenses
Travel expenses, accommodation, per diem, and registration fee as indicated on the Application Form Budget sheet and set out by the Canada Revenue Agency Directive on Travel.
Note: Registration fees cannot be claimed in a Conference Bursary application for any Canadian Museums Association activity.
How to Apply
To apply, complete the Bursary Application Form along with the supporting materials.
Supporting materials required to accompany the application form are:
- Completed application form
- Learning objectives
- Employer/institution letter of support
- Résumé (For volunteers, include a statement of volunteer work, with description of work, location(s), and dates)
- Job description
Send completed applications to bursaries@museums.ca. Note that applications will not be assessed until all supporting documents are received.
Submit Your Claim Documents
Additional documents to support your application must be submitted no later than 30 days after completion of the learning activity. Funds will not be issued until claim documents are received.
Supporting materials required to accompany the claim form are:
- Completed claim form
- Direct deposit form
- Original receipts
- Proof of attendance
- Evaluation survey
- 500 to 1000 word narrative report*
*Upon submission, written reports become the property of the CMA and may be reproduced or published with credit given to the author.