Travel Grant applications for the 2026 National Conference are now being accepted.

 

 

History and Overview

The Endowment Fund of the Popular Culture Association was established in 1997 as a commitment to the long-term future of the study of Popular Culture and American Culture in all its forms, venues, contexts, and exchanges. Since that first group of contributors made an investment in the future of the organization and its role in priority research and critical inquiry, hundreds of individuals and organizations have contributed and helped to increase the Endowment to its current level of about $1,500,000.

What is distinctive and special about the Endowment is that it incorporates contributions of various levels and reflects broad-based support. An endowment is the hallmark of a professional academic organization which believes its work has substantial cultural significance and impact as well as long-term implications and applications. In 2025, the Endowment disbursed 84 grant awards in six categories, totaling $73,500.

 

Eligibility and Application Information

You must have an account on the PCA site and be an active, paid member for the 2025-2026 year at the time you submit your application. There are no exceptions.

Required materials and evaluation criteria for all grant applications:

• An abstract of the presentation (which has been submitted to area chair for approval).

• A statement about the thesis and scope of the presentation (250 words).

• A brief discussion about the extent to which the presentation contributes to the study of Popular Culture or American Culture.

• A statement about how this presentation will contribute to the applicant’s professional goals.

• An abbreviated CV.

The applications will ask for you to input text about your education, experience, employment, and accomplishments. It may be helpful for you to have your CV on hand as you fill out these applications. Please note you can only apply for ONE travel grant. 

 

Criteria for Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated on:

• The quality of the proposal’s thesis and scope.

• The extent to which the paper reflects on and contributes to the study of Popular Culture or American Culture.

• The extent to which the presentation reflects the applicant’s future scholarly and professional goals.

These grants should be considered supplemental for presenting at the national conference. There are many applications received each year in each category. Applicants should make financial arrangements to attend and present even if a grant is not awarded.

Please note: your application will not be considered for review unless you hit “submit.” Applications still in draft status will not be considered complete. Membership fees are not refundable.

You do not need an acceptance email to apply for a grant.  It is advisable to apply at the same time as you submit your proposal. However, offers of grants are contingent on abstract approval from the Area Chair. There will be no deadline extensions for late acceptances. 

Note that you may apply for only one travel grant. Please read the descriptions of the grants carefully to consider which you should apply for. Applying for more than one grant will result in the applicant not being considered for any grant.  

 

Important Travel Grant Deadlines:

Grant Submissions open:

• 1 October 2025

Grant Submissions close:

• 15 December 2025

Notification of decision:

• 30 January 2026

 

View Details on the types of travel grants