SCMS established a Dependent Care Fund to offset the cost of conference-based dependent care expenses to graduate students and contingent faculty. These need-based subsidies provide assistance up to $400 for the costs of dependent care at home or at the conference site.

The application for the Dependent Care Subsidies can be found below.

DEADLINE: The deadline for this request form is Monday, January 5, 2026, 5:00 PM CST. Reimbursement may be requested for eligible expenses up to $400. Expenses in excess of the award amount must be borne by the recipient.

A committee will review all applications and allocate funds accordingly. Applicants will be notified of the status of their request by Monday, January 12, 2026.

To be eligible for dependent care funds, the applicant:

• Must be a current SCMS member,
• Special consideration to graduate students or contingent faculty members,
• Must be registered for the 2026 SCMS Annual Conference,
• Must be a participant in a panel, workshop, or roundtable

Funding is available for dependent care expenses such as:

• Airfare and/or hotel costs for a caregiver to fly to the meeting location to assist with dependent care,
• Airfare and/or hotel costs for a dependent's travel to the meeting location to ensure their care,
• Costs for caregiver's labor at the meeting,
• Onsite care service local to the meeting venue,
• Costs for additional dependent care at home incurred due to member's absence during the meeting, which may include:
  • caregiver's labor
  • before and after school or extended day programs
  • late pick-up fees
  • daycare centers
  • custodial child care / elder care
  • expenses for care of elderly or other family members that the applicant usually provides
• Costs for caregiver / dependent meals and/or activities

Expenses that do not qualify for funding:

• Childcare, elder care, or dependent care expenses at home that would normally be incurred (e.g., dependent care that is provided on an on-going basis)
• Meeting registration
• Other expenses not associated with the additional care or travel of the dependent(s) or caregiver

Be sure to visit our Childcare page during the conference for information on childcare options and family-friendly activities in Chicago.