Attending Worldcon is a large financial obligation. We know that not everyone who wants to attend Worldcon is able to afford it, which is why the Seattle Worldcon Community Fund was created.
What Is the Community Fund?
One of the core tenets of Worldcon is that science fiction and fantasy are for everyone. The community fund serves that value by providing financial assistance to fans who otherwise might not be able to attend. It is an account funded by our community, for our community. By providing this assistance, it is our hope that we will be able to expand Worldcon attendance to include historically less-involved demographic groups.
Who Does the Fund Help?
This year, the community fund will be used to help four target groups. Members of these groups may apply for partial assistance, with the goal being to help as many people as possible. Our four target groups are:
- First time attendees from the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Alaska and British Columbia)
- LGBTQIA+ attendees
- BIPOC/Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander attendees
- Attendees from the Global South
- The Global South is broadly defined by UNCTAD (U.N. Trade and Development) as “Africa; Central and South America; the Caribbean; Asia without Israel, Japan, and the Republic of Korea; Oceania without Australia and New Zealand.”
If you are a member of one or more of these groups, you may qualify for assistance. Fill out the community fund application form here.
What Can Fund Money Be Used For?
Community fund money can be used for membership/admission, travel costs, and accommodation. Please note that all grant recipients will be asked to make a base contribution of $50 to cover their WSFS membership.
May I Donate to the Fund?
Absolutely! Donations from our community make up a good portion of our funds. Every donation goes towards helping more people get to Worldcon. It is also tax-deductible in the United States. You can donate when you register, or if you are already registered, you can donate to the community fund here.
FAQ
Will I be able to find out who my donation helped?
Donations go into one big pot for distribution, and all fund applications and awards are confidential. However, we will provide general statistics about the fund money and its usage for this convention.
Are there any prerequisites for receiving funds?
You must fall into at least one of the focus groups listed above. If you meet more than one of those categories, mark each one on your application.
What happens to any leftover money in the fund?
If there are leftover funds at the end of this year’s con, we will roll those funds into the 2026 community fund so they may still be used to support the goals of diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility at subsequent Worldcons.
I need assistance!
You can reach out to us with any questions or concerns at communityfund@seattlein2025.org.