CLEVELAND - The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for 2026 Convention stipends.

The deadline to apply for one or both stipends is Monday, December 1st. You must be a current dues paying NACMA member to be eligible for a stipend. Members may apply to both stipend programs but can only be awarded one stipend. Stipend recipients will participate in valuable networking opportunities with numerous collegiate marketing administrators. Recipients will be reimbursed for travel/lodging expenses following the Convention.

NACMA is proud to deepen its commitment to member support by expanding its stipend program for the 2026 Convention. The number of stipends has grown from 60 to 80, and each stipend has increased from $750 to $1,000—resulting in a total investment of $35,000 more than last year. This enhanced support reflects NACMA's dedication to empowering its members and making professional development more accessible than ever.

"In challenging financial times, investing in people matters most," said Zach Dayton, 2025-26 NACMA President and Assistant VP/Deputy AD at Fairfield University. "Expanding both the quantity and stipend dollar amount for the 2026 NACMA Convention increases opportunities for our membership to experience our signature in-person programming while enjoying the opportunity to learn, connect and grow together. Our Board of Directors is focused on investing directly in the professional growth of our membership and thrilled to roll out this expanded stipend program.

NACMA Convention Stipend Program

Application Criteria

• Current 2025-26 dues paying NACMA member
• Strong application showing member contributions to the Association

Selected Recipients Will Receive:

• Convention registration ($500 value)
• Up to $1000 to cover the cost of flight, lodging (room and tax only), transportation & per diem (if applicable)
  • Please note that the hotel and registration process will open early February

Mike Cleary Convention Stipend Program

Description: NACMA is seeking individuals who want to advance their career in collegiate marketing. NACMA is focusing on developing professionals in the areas of fan development, brand management and revenue generation.
Application Criteria

• Current 2025-26 dues paying NACMA member
• Must be part of one of the following categories:
  • Ethnic minority
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Non division I institution
  • Entry level (less than 3 years full-time)
  • Student (undergrad, GA, full-time intern)

Selected Recipients Will Receive:

• Convention registration ($500 value)
• Up to $1000 to cover cost of flight, lodging (room and tax only), transportation & per diem (if applicable)
  • Please note that the hotel and registration process will open in February

To apply for one or both of the stipends, please click here.

About NACMA Mike Cleary Convention Stipend Program: In 2012, the NACMA stipend program was named after National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Director Emeritus Mike Cleary for his commitment to the development of young professionals. Cleary served as NACDA's lone Executive Director for its first 46 years, prior to his retirement in June 2011. Cleary served as President of the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation and the Michael J. Cleary Northeastern Ohio Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) until his death in December 2015.