New Perspectives Grant Program opens application window for 2025's MagicCon Chicago
New Perspectives illustrated by Darek Zabrocki
The announcement of the slate of 2025 MagicCons created plenty of buzz in the Magic world, but that reveal came with the return of a special program.
The MagicCon New Perspectives Grant Program has existed alongside MagicCon as a way to support inclusion among Magic players who belong to historically underrepresented groups by providing assistance to attend the premier Magic events.
That assistance takes the form of a Black Lotus VIP Package, which for 2024's MagicCon Vegas, taking place in a few weeks, is a $750 value. Along with the Black Lotus VIP pass, accepted applicants receive a $2,000 stipend for travel, accommodations and expenses related to attending the event.
For many, the cost of getting to the event can be more daunting then attending the event itself, so the $2,000 can go a long way toward making attendance more than just a dream for the lucky applicants who are selected.
The first window to apply is open now and runs until Oct. 29, for 2025's MagicCon Chicago, occurring on February 21-23.
Only 10 applicants will be selected to receive the New Perspectives Grant for MagicCon Chicago, but that should not deter anyone who qualifies from applying.
According to the official Wizards of the Coast statement on the program, applications are anonymized and will be evaluated on quality, originality, and contributions that make the Magic: The Gathering community more inclusive or accessible.
Particularly encouraged are applications from those who have been historically marginalized based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and/or veteran or military enrollment status.
To apply, click here.
Be sure to set aside time to complete the application form, as it's more in-depth than answering a few demographic questions. Several questions on the form require applicants to answer with long-form responses about their relationship with Magic, including essays about how the applicant has brought new perspectives to the Magic community, or which planeswalker or creature inspires them the most, and why.
As per Wizards, all New Perspectives Grant recipients are subject to eligibility verification before application status finalization. Wizards of the Coast reserves the right to withdraw grants in the event an applicant is deemed ineligible in Wizards of the Coast's sole and absolute discretion. Grants are void where prohibited or restricted.
