BOSTON COMIC ARTS FOUNDATION
Lightning Grants
Massachusetts cartoonists: if a professional expense is standing in your way, BCAF wants to help you keep moving.
We're launching Lightning Grants — six microgrants of $250 designed to get money into creators' hands quickly and without red tape. Let us pay for that software subscription, printing costs, a phone bill, or supplies for your next project, so you can get back to focusing on your work. No lengthy review cycles, no complicated process — just fast, direct support for the comic artists who make this community what it is.
If you live in Massachusetts and have previously applied to any BCAF festival, we encourage you to apply.
Guidelines
Eligible applicants must meet the follow requirements:
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Current Massachusetts resident
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Previously applied to a BCAF festival (MICE, Boston Comics in Color, Calmer Con Boston, or Boston Kids Comics Fest). Acceptance or exhibition is not required.
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Intends to use the award for legitimate comics professional expenses (funds may not be used directly for medical, legal, charitable, or political purposes).
Questions? Contact support@bostoncomicarts.org
Application
Lightning Grant applications are available in the BCAF Portal. Previous festival applicants can log in with their existing credentials to access the application during an open cycle. For portal support, contact: support@bostoncomicarts.org
Summer Application Cycle: July 6 - 20, 2026
Winter Application Cycle: November 2 - 16, 2026