Conference Subsidies

Our community has faced extraordinary challenges this year. Many AEFP members have experienced disruptions to their work due to federal funding changes, staffing cuts, and broader shifts in the education policy landscape. Our mission—to promote research and partnerships that inform education policy and finance and improve educational outcomes—is more important than ever. We are expanding our “conference subsidies” program to offer financial assistance to a broader membership base so that more researchers, policymakers, and practitioners have the opportunity to connect at the conference.

Conference subsidies will cover the AEFP 2026 conference registration and membership fees for recipients.

Eligibility

• Staff in local, state or federal education agencies, including researchers embedded in education agencies, school administrators, and teachers;
• Individuals working in the legislative branch of local, state or federal governments, including elected officials;
• Institutional researchers in public colleges and universities;
• Individuals working in nonprofit organizations whose primary role is developing policy or supporting policymakers;
• Individuals impacted by job loss, budget cuts, or job seekers struggling to find a job
• Students are not eligible for conference subsidies but are encouraged to apply for a Roe L. Johns Grant.

Key Dates

• January 5, 2026: Application deadline
• End of January: Notification of selection
• March 19-21, 2026: AEFP 2026 Annual Conference in Chicago