Program Overview
The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship is named in honor of Elizabeth L. Mahaffey, a well-respected and loved former staff member who was an extraordinary mentor to young professionals pursuing a career in arts administration. Elizabeth Mahaffey was dedicated to growing the field of arts administration, and the Fellowship was established upon her retirement after more than 20 years of dedicated service at the Connecticut Commission on the Arts.
The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship provides funding to individuals to pursue professional development opportunities that will advance their careers in arts administration. Arts administration is the field that concerns the business operations of an arts organization, including but not limited to staff management, public relations, marketing, budget/fiscal management, board development, fund-raising, program development and evaluation.
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An applicant may request up to $2,500. There is no predetermined number of Fellowships to be awarded. The Connecticut Office of the Arts determines the number of Fellowships awarded.
Funds may be used toward costs directly related to a professional development activity, including but not limited to:
- Tuition or registration fees for workshops, conferences, and trainings
- Fees to work directly with a consultant or career coach
- Travel and hotel costs associated with attending a workshop, conference or training
Ineligible expenses:
- Funding to offset applicant’s regular salary or wages
- Funding to offset general operating costs of the applicant’s affiliated arts organization
- Costs incurred outside the funding period
Funds must be used during the funding period of May 1, 2022- April 30, 2023.
Tax Information for Individuals
Please note that grants to individuals are considered earnings by the IRS.