Clowns of America International Inc., (COAI) is a Minnesota-based nonprofit clown arts membership organization which aims 'to share, educate and act as a gathering place for serious minded amateurs, semi-professionals, and professional clowns.' It provides its members with resources needed for its members to refine and develop their characters. The COAI follows a strict code of ethics, known as the "Eight Clown Commandments". In addition to the co-operative nature of the group and its annual conventions, it also provides several scholarship opportunities to young men and women. History Formerly Clowns of America, COAI was founded in its current form in 1984. In the early 1980s, Clowns of America had financial problems. This led to its breakup and the founding of COAI and the World Clown Association. It comprises numerous alleys, local clown clubs which act as meeting places for members. According to the COAI bylaws, any group with at least five members that form a local chapter are considered to be a clown alley. The COAI also publishes its own bimonthly magazine, The New Calliope, containing information about the organization, news, events, and clown-related articles. Affiliates Mid Atlantic Clown Association Mid West Clown Association Southeast Clown Association Texas Clown Association Pennsylvania East Clown Company Association See also Charlie Award Clown society The New Calliope References External links Clowns of America International official homepage https://www.coaiconvention.com/ Convention in April 2022 Clowning Clubs and societies in the United States Philanthropic organizations based in the United States