The Urban Sketchers (USk) Youth Grant is a special program created to stimulate educational efforts directed at younger sketchers aged 13-19 years.
A priority for Urban Sketchers is educating the next generation about the value of on-location drawing and becoming a part of a global non-profit community.
USk grant funding from $250 to $1000 is now available to support
to offset the cost of resources and time needed to conduct education programs designed specifically for younger urban sketchers.
Eligible projects can be a single educational event or a program that takes place over several months.
Closing date for applications – noon UTC 31 December 2026
Grants ranging from $250 to $1000 will be awarded based on scope of the project and the educational experience of the applicant(s).
No matching funds are required.
The online application form will be open October – December 2026.
3 or more proposals will be selected and grant awards will be announced in early 2027.
The proposed projects can take place at any time of the year.
Cultivate the joy of sketching in youth : This could be accomplished by setting examples, educational activities, focused demonstrations, access to sketching materials and introduction to daily story-telling through drawing.
Build connections : Young people’s connections to each other and to places they inhabit are strengthened through the act of observing their world and drawing together. Youth who express themselves through art are more likely to be civically engaged in their communities.
Educate and engage : Youth can learn drawing skills and techniques that they can use and cultivate for the rest of their lives. Youth can also learn interpersonal and social skills; communication, compromise, and problem-solving.
Encourage partnerships : Individual educator efforts are maximized when they work in partnership with other institutions and organizations serving youth (schools, libraries, community centers, art programs, etc)
Individual educators, youth art education collaboratives and partnerships who are currently authorized to work with younger people in the geographical location of their proposal.
The application must be specific and detailed while aligned with the attention span of the age group concerned.
Instructors must hold required certification in the country of the proposed project.
All applications will be evaluated via the USk Education Committee. The merit of each application will be judged on the following criteria:
Submit your idea along with description/video, and other support documentation
Where possible;
Include a copy of a valid/current teaching certification for younger people
List past workshops or educational projects that you have conducted or organised in the last 3 years
Give reference details from a supervisor, colleague or Urban Sketcher & upload a reference
The assessment panel will review project applications in January/February and successful applicants will be notified in early 2027.
If your application is approved and funding provided, we will work to support you and share information about the project on our website and social media channels.
If English is not your first language, we will work with you to edit text for clarity if needed.
You may also submit an application in other languages, and we will try to find volunteer translators to work with you.
Please contact uskyouth@urbansketchers.org with any questions.