The 2026 pilot program supports artists who:

• Identify as women or female-identifying

• Are currently based in Southern California

• Maintain an active visual-art practice

• Would meaningfully benefit from direct financial support or visibility opportunities

Eligible practices may include painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, installation, video, mixed media, digital art, performance-based visual practice, craft, and other forms of contemporary visual art.

TCAF primarily supports emerging and early-career artists. Career stage is evaluated holistically. Applicants are not required to hold an art degree, have gallery representation, or possess a particular exhibition history.

Artists must be at least 18 years old at the time an award is made.

Individual grants during the 2026 pilot program generally range from $500 to $2,500. The number of awards will depend on the needs of the selected artists.

Artists may also have the opportunity to participate in TCAF visibility events, including curated exhibitions.

TCAF aims to support the long-term growth of artists through ongoing relationships. TCAF remains a resource to grantees throughout their careers.

TCAF grants are unrestricted. Recipients may use the funds according to their own artistic and personal priorities.

Funds may support materials, studio rent, research, travel, documentation, equipment, fabrication, professional services, living expenses, rest, childcare, debt, or any other need identified by the artist. Recipients are not required to submit receipts or adhere to a binding project budget.

TCAF may ask how an artist presently anticipates using the grant. This information helps TCAF understand the potential impact of an award, but it does not restrict how the recipient may ultimately use the funds.

TCAF considers the artist’s complete body of work and current circumstances rather than relying primarily on institutional recognition or commercial success.

Selection may consider:

• The quality, clarity, and development of the artist’s practice

• Evidence of experimentation, creative risk, or sustained inquiry

• The distinctiveness of the artist’s perspective

• The potential impact of financial support at the artist’s current career stage

• The relationship between the request and the artist’s continued creative development

• TCAF’s available funding and ability to provide meaningful support

TCAF does not require applicants to make commercially viable work. Prior sales, gallery representation, academic credentials, and major institutional exhibitions are not prerequisites for consideration.

The 2026 pilot program is administered and selected by TCAF founder Laurel Rohera. TCAF does not currently use an independent jury.

The process generally includes:

1. TCAF identifies an artist through curatorial research, a studio visit, or a trusted recommendation.

2. TCAF conducts an internal review of the artist’s practice and eligibility.

3. The artist may be formally invited to submit a short grant request.

4. TCAF reviews the request and documents its decision.

5. The artist receives a written decision.

6. Selected recipients receive a grant agreement and any applicable tax documentation.

7. Funds are issued after the required documents have been completed.

TCAF may decline a request or offer an amount different from the amount requested. All decisions are final.

Each formal invitation will include a submission deadline and an estimated decision date.

TCAF generally aims to:

• Acknowledge receipt of a complete grant request within one week

• Use best efforts to provide a decision within ten business days after the submission deadline

• Send the grant agreement promptly after selection

• Issue payment within ten business days after receiving the signed agreement and any required tax documentation

TCAF never charges artists an application, consideration, processing, or grant-administration fee.

A TCAF grant does not require the recipient to:

• Exhibit with TCAF

• Transfer or sell an artwork

• Grant TCAF ownership of artwork or intellectual property

• Enter an exclusive relationship

• Accept representation

• Produce a specific project

• Permit publicity or image use without approval

Grant consideration and exhibition participation are separate processes. Declining an exhibition invitation will not affect an artist’s eligibility for financial support.

TCAF will never ask an artist to pay money, purchase gift cards, provide account passwords, or share online-banking credentials in order to receive a grant.