The Jill Bates-Moore Scholarship honors the life, legacy, and light of our dear friend and Craftcation alum, Jill Bates-Moore. Beginning in 2026, this annual scholarship will provide one Black woman creative with a full registration to Craftcation Conference—including access to 200+ hands-on workshops, business classes, and community-building experiences by the beach in Ventura, California.
This scholarship is more than a ticket to an event. It’s an invitation into a vibrant community of artists, crafters, makers, and entrepreneurs. It’s a space for creativity, growth, laughter, and connection—just like Jill wanted for all of us.
GET TO KNOW JILL
Jill was a beam of brilliance. A lawyer, yin yoga instructor, motorcycle rider, glitter enthusiast, and power tool-wielding maker of magic—and the kind of friend who could make you laugh ’til you cried or cry from how deeply seen you felt.
She made herself at home everywhere she went—from Jaipur to the Bay Area—and made others feel the same. Jill was curious, generous, deeply wise, and irreverently hilarious. At Craftcation, she was all in: asking questions, trying new things, holding space for others, teaching attendees how to sew or plan for their future, and bringing joy to every room she entered.
It was at Craftcation that she proudly claimed the identity of multi-crafter—someone who couldn’t (and wouldn’t want to) choose just one creative lane. Whether she was sewing up a jumpsuit, hosting a session, or doing the Cupid Shuffle at the Craftcation dance party, she led with love and creativity.
She often asked, “What does love require?”—and she lived her answer.
This scholarship continues her legacy of access, joy, self-discovery, and radical love.
2026 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION TIMELINE
SCHOLARSHIP FAQS
Black women creatives who are 18 or older and passionate about creativity in any form—art, craft, small business, writing, sewing, music, food, performance, etc.
Full registration to Craftcation Conference in Ventura, California (travel, lodging, and meals not included).
Nope. Whether you’re just starting out, exploring creative passions on the side, or growing a business—this is for you.
A small committee of Craftcation leadership and community members will review all applications and select the recipient based on alignment with the values Jill embodied: curiosity, creativity, generosity, and community.
At this time, applications are self-submitted. But please encourage your people to apply!
Applications for Craftcation 2027 will open in 2026. Congrats to our winner Christina of Sassy Blooms! Applications for 2026 are now closed and a winner has been chosen.
Yes! If you aren’t selected one year, we encourage you to apply again.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Applications for Craftcation 2026 are now closed. Stay tuned for applications for Craftcation 2027.
Please be sure to hit SUBMIT at the end of the application. If you don’t get a confirmation email after you apply, email hello@dearhandmadelife.com.