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Best Grants for Creative Writing

Explore creative writing grants supporting authors, workshops, literary journals, and storytelling programs.

436

Available grants

$5.6M

Total funding

$5K

Median grant

436 grants
$5.6M total
$5K median

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436 Results based on applied filters

Brother Thomas Fellowship Program

Boston Foundation Inc
Private
Suffolk County, Massachusetts
US $20,000
The Brother Thomas Fellowship Program, established by the Boston Foundation in 2007, honors the legacy of Brother Thomas Bezanson, a renowned ceramic artist. This biennial fellowship supports a diverse group of Greater Boston artists across various disciplines, providing each fellow with a $20,000 unrestricted award and opportunities to attend convenings. The program aims to enhance the artists' market access and raise awareness of their contributions to Boston's cultural vitality.
Visual Arts Performing Arts Writing & Literature +2 more

NEA Big Read Grant

Arts Midwest
Private
United States
US $5,000 - US $20,000
The NEA Big Read Grant, managed by Arts Midwest, aims to foster community engagement through shared reading experiences. This initiative funds nonprofit organizations to host diverse reading programs, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and creativity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, organizations can conduct book discussions, workshops, and creative events to strengthen community ties and promote civic engagement. The program highlights local voices and invites participation from various audiences, creating a vibrant literary culture.
Writing & Literature

SEMAC Individual Artist: Emerging Artist Grant

Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc.
Private
Dodge County, Minnesota, Fillmore County, Minnesota +9 more
US $3,000
The SEMAC Individual Artist: Emerging Artist Grant provides $3,000 to support artists who have demonstrated some achievement but lack extensive recognition. This grant encourages creativity across various disciplines, including Dance, Music, and Visual Arts, culminating in a public engagement event. Artists must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, and residents of the SEMAC Region for six months. Notably, matching funds are not required, making this an accessible opportunity for emerging talent.
Writing & Literature Performing Arts Visual Arts

FWAC: Small Grants For Community Arts Projects

The Five Wings Arts Council
Private
Cass County, Minnesota, Crow Wing County, Minnesota +3 more
Up to US $1,000
The Five Wings Arts Council offers Small Grants for Community Arts Projects to support local artists and organizations in Cass, Crow Wing, Todd, Morrison, and Wadena counties. Grants up to $1000 are available for first-time arts producers or presenters. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, fostering community engagement through enriching arts and cultural activities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public schools, and governmental units. It aims to promote artistic expression and community involvement throughout the region.
Art & Culture Music Architecture +6 more

MSAC Grants for Organizations

Maryland State Arts Council
State/Local Government
Maryland
More than US $50,000
The MSAC Grants for Organizations program offers annual operating grants to organizations in Maryland that present or produce arts programs for the public. It aims to enhance the sustainability and vitality of Maryland's cultural landscape. New applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry, while established organizations can apply for funding in specific artistic categories. The program supports both arts-focused and non-arts organizations that engage in public arts activities.
Art & Culture Media Arts Visual Arts +8 more

Louisiana Project Grants

Louisiana Division of the Arts
State/Local Government
Louisiana
US $2,500 - US $7,500
The Louisiana Project Grants, managed by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, aim to enhance community engagement through diverse artistic initiatives. The program supports various art forms, including dance, music, and visual arts, focusing on innovation and collaboration. By prioritizing equity and inclusion, the grants foster artistic growth while ensuring access for all residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and educational institutions within Louisiana, emphasizing projects that benefit the community and promote cultural diversity.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation Theater +7 more

Community Based Organizations: Arts Access Grant

Delaware Division of the Arts
State/Local Government
Delaware
Unspecified amount
The Community Based Organizations: Arts Access Grant, offered by the Delaware Division of the Arts, supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in presenting various art forms. Grants can cover up to 80% of eligible expenses, not exceeding $1,250. This initiative encourages community engagement through arts programs and is intended for groups that may not qualify for other funding categories. Applications must be submitted six weeks prior to the event, with early submissions recommended.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation Folk Art / Traditional Art +4 more

NAC: Arts Projects for the General Public Grant

Nebraska Arts Council
State/Local Government
Nebraska
US $2,000 - US $7,500
The NAC: Arts Projects for the General Public Grant provides funding for various arts and arts education projects, both online and in-person, adhering to health guidelines. With a focus on public accessibility, it supports exhibitions, performances, and new artwork development. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government entities in Nebraska, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match for funds. Projects should enhance arts opportunities for underserved communities and must be completed within the fiscal year.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation Public / Community Art Poetry +4 more

Poetry Out Loud Grant

Kentucky Arts Council
State/Local Government
Kentucky
Unspecified amount
The Poetry Out Loud Grant, offered by the Kentucky Arts Council, supports high school students in grades 9-12 as they engage in poetry memorization and performance. This initiative promotes public speaking skills and self-confidence while celebrating America's literary heritage. Schools can apply for funding to bring teaching artists into their classrooms, enhancing students' appreciation for poetry through dynamic educational experiences. Eligibility extends to all Kentucky public and private high schools, encouraging broad participation across the state.
Youth Involvement in the Arts Poetry

ArtsKC Inspiration Grant

ArtsKC Regional Arts Council
State/Local Government
Clay County, Missouri, Jackson County, Missouri +3 more
US $3,500
The ArtsKC Inspiration Grant supports individual artists and small groups in the Kansas City metropolitan area by funding ambitious projects that foster growth and positive community impact. With disciplines ranging from visual arts to theater, these project grants encourage creativity and innovation. In Spring 2024, ArtsKC awarded 12 grants totaling $30,000, with a 14% acceptance rate. Eligible artists must be over 18 and demonstrate professional achievement in their art form.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation Performing Arts Visual Arts +4 more

Alabama State Council on the Arts Literary Grant - Consolidated Project

Alabama State Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
Alabama
US $5,000 - US $20,000
The Alabama State Council on the Arts Literary Grant - Consolidated Project aims to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality for Alabamians by supporting diverse artistic resources. It funds cohesive activities like performance seasons, workshops, and exhibitions, promoting arts education and cultural appreciation. This grant fosters excellence in the arts, providing opportunities for all citizens to engage with and appreciate the rich artistic heritage of Alabama.
Writing & Literature

Alabama State Council on the Arts Literary - Project Grant

Alabama State Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
Alabama
US $1,000 - US $10,000
The Alabama State Council on the Arts Literary - Project Grant aims to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in Alabama by supporting diverse artistic resources. This grant encourages a wide range of projects, including festivals, performances, and exhibitions, fostering public engagement with the arts. It promotes excellence in arts education, recognizes folk traditions, and supports economic development through the arts, ensuring that all Alabamians can experience and appreciate artistic expressions.
Writing & Literature

MAC Annual Grants

Missouri Arts Council
State/Local Government
Missouri
Up to US $40,000
The Missouri Arts Council offers annual grants ranging from $500 to $40,000 to support arts projects that engage communities across Missouri. These grants are aimed at enhancing public access to diverse arts experiences, boosting economic growth through the arts, and strengthening educational initiatives. Eligible projects include performances, festivals, exhibitions, artist residencies, and educational programs. The Council's mission is to foster appreciation for the arts, contributing to the vitality of Missouri's cultural heritage.
Folk Art / Traditional Art Art Education Art & Culture +9 more

Harry E. & Olive T. Barth Charitable Trust Grant Program

Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley
Private
West Virginia
More than US $5,000
The Harry E. & Olive T. Barth Charitable Trust Grant Program, managed by Wesbanco Bank, offers funding to non-profit organizations in West Virginia, particularly those from Sistersville and Tyler County. Eligible entities include schools, churches, and government organizations. The fund focuses on areas such as animal welfare, nature conservancy, and the preservation of local historical sites, supporting activities that are charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational.
Writing & Literature Science Education +1 more

Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation: Florida Grants

Barnett Gordon J Mem Fdn Ta
Private
Florida
US $1,000 - US $20,000
The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports religious, charitable, scientific, and educational initiatives in Florida, with special focus on organizations aiding children and animals. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, while grants are not available for political campaigns or individuals. The foundation emphasizes funding for community-driven efforts, ecological projects, and educational institutions, ensuring a broad impact across various sectors.
Religion & Spirituality Ecology Health & Medicine +4 more

Piqua Community Foundation: Standard Grants

Piqua Community Foundation
Private
Miami County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Piqua Community Foundation offers Standard Grants to charitable not-for-profit organizations that meet specific criteria, including proof of 501(c)(3) status and a project that benefits Piqua residents. The Foundation encourages applicants to consult with staff for eligibility and project-specific questions. However, grants are typically not awarded for the same project in consecutive years or for general operating expenses, ensuring a broader distribution of funds within the community.
Religion & Spirituality Human & Social Services Education +2 more

NHC Major Grants

Nebraska Humanities Council
State/Local Government
Nebraska
Up to US $10,000
Humanities Nebraska (HN) provides grants aimed at enhancing public humanities projects across the state, with a mission to foster cultural connection and understanding. These grants support nonprofit organizations and government entities in promoting history, literature, philosophy, and the arts, ensuring inclusivity and representation for diverse communities. Applications focusing on the theme of connections are prioritized, while maintaining a competitive selection process. HN is dedicated to creating engaging, meaningful experiences that resonate with all Nebraskans.
Linguistics Art History Archaeology +5 more

NHC Mini Grants

Nebraska Humanities Council
State/Local Government
Nebraska
Up to US $2,000
The NHC Mini Grants, offered by the Nebraska Humanities Council, aim to support nonprofit projects that foster cultural connections and enhance the understanding of humanities across Nebraska. Grant applications are encouraged from a diverse range of organizations, focusing on projects that serve Nebraskans and address underserved audiences. Emphasizing collaboration and innovative partnerships, these grants prioritize initiatives that explore interdisciplinary connections within the humanities, enriching the cultural landscape of the state.
Humanities & Social Science Writing & Literature Philosophy +5 more

Meriden Foundation Grants

Meriden Foundation
Private
New Haven County, Connecticut
Unspecified amount
The Meriden Foundation, established in 1932, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community and enhancing the quality of life for residents of Meriden, Connecticut, and its vicinity. The foundation offers grants to organizations committed to serving individuals and families, regardless of race, color, gender, or creed. It supports charitable, scientific, literary, and educational initiatives, welcoming grant applications from institutions that provide valuable public services to the greater Meriden area.
Community Services Human & Social Services Science +2 more

Louis N. Cassett Foundation Grant

Louis N. Cassett Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Louis N. Cassett Foundation provides grants to support a variety of charitable endeavors, particularly focusing on organizations in the Philadelphia and South Florida areas. As a private foundation operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, it empowers tax-exempt organizations to apply for funding. The Foundation does not impose religious affiliation requirements on recipients, ensuring that support is inclusive and aimed at a broad range of charitable, cultural, and educational projects.
Basic Human Needs Poverty Alleviation & Services Education +5 more

PEN America: Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists

PEN America
Private
United States
US $5,000
The PEN America: Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists awards $5,000 annually to authors of children's or young adult fiction. This grant supports writers at critical stages in their careers, specifically for a novel-in-progress. Candidates must have published works that received positive critical reception but limited sales. Self-published works and collaborative manuscripts are ineligible, ensuring that the grant focuses on authors with established literary merit.
Writing & Literature

John Reagan Harris Community Fund Grant

East Texas Communities Foundation
Private
Shelby County, Texas
Up to US $10,000
The John Reagan Harris Community Fund Grant, supported by the East Texas Communities Foundation, aims to enhance the Center, Texas community through civic, religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational projects. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or governmental units. The grant encourages funding requests not exceeding $10,000, allowing for support of new initiatives or expansion of existing programs.
Community Services Civic Affairs Religion & Spirituality +3 more

W. B. Munson Foundation Grant

W. B. Munson Foundation
Private
Grayson County, Texas
Unspecified amount
The W. B. Munson Foundation Grant aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational initiatives that enhance the public welfare and well-being of Grayson County residents. The foundation prioritizes projects in scientific research, arts and culture, and education, fostering community development and enrichment. This grant offers a valuable opportunity for organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in these areas.
Science Art & Culture Education +2 more

Elias & Hanna Regensburger Foundation Grant

Elias & Hanna Regensburger Foundation
Private
Grayson County, Texas
Unspecified amount
The Elias & Hanna Regensburger Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, with a preference for organizations in the Grayson County, Texas area. Funded by a private foundation administered by JPMorgan, it exclusively supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Individuals are ineligible to apply, ensuring that only established entities benefit from this philanthropic initiative. The foundation encourages projects in various domains, fostering community development and cultural enrichment.
Writing & Literature Library Services Education +3 more

H. Chase Stone Trust Grant

H. Chase Stone Trust
Private
El Paso County, Colorado
Up to US $30,000
The H. Chase Stone Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in El Paso County, Colorado, focusing on performing, literary, and fine arts. These grants aim to enhance the cultural landscape of the community. Only IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations may apply, with a limit of one grant every three years per organization. Applicants must choose between this trust and the Luther T. McCauley Charitable Trust to ensure fair distribution of funds.
Performing Arts Writing & Literature Fine Art

Joseph E. Beauchamp Charitable Trust Grant

Joseph E. Beauchamp Charitable Trust
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Joseph E. Beauchamp Charitable Trust Grant supports religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, particularly focusing on Protestant and non-sectarian agencies. Funded exclusively for nonprofit organizations under IRS section 501(c)(3), it emphasizes community development, education, and animal welfare. Notably, individuals cannot apply for these grants. Organizations are encouraged to align their initiatives with the trust's mission to promote the prevention of cruelty to children and animals.
Animal Welfare - General Education Human & Social Services +4 more

Grants for Creative Writing Highlights

Grants for creative writing fund programs and projects that support writers, workshops, and literary initiatives. The following grants help nonprofits promote storytelling, foster creativity, and expand access to the arts.


Search Instrumentl's Creative Writing Grants Database


Explore 93 funding opportunities for creative writing, with $2.6M available. Instrumentl supports writers and nonprofits with advanced grant discovery, deadline tracking tools, and key insights to enrich literary arts and storytelling programs.

Grant Insights : Grants for Creative Writing

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Uncommon — grants in this category are less prevalent than in others.

93 Grants for Creative Writing grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

18 Grants for Creative Writing over $25K in average grant size

9 Grants for Creative Writing over $50K in average grant size

25 Grants for Creative Writing supporting general operating expenses

77 Grants for Creative Writing supporting programs / projects

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Food Access & Hunger

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for grants for Creative Writing?

Most grants are due in the third quarter.

Q1
23.9%
Q2
23.7%
Q3
28.3%
Q4
24.0%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Grants for Creative Writing?

Grants are most commonly $9,500.

$250 $250 Min.
$9,500 $9.5 K Median
$35,556 $35.6 K Average
$950,000 $950 K Max.

Frequently asked questions

Nonprofits that support writing, literacy, or storytelling initiatives may qualify for these grants. Eligible organizations typically include literary nonprofits, universities, and arts programs.

Grants for creative writing typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q3, with 28.3% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q2.

Grants for creative writing support emerging writers, diverse voices, and educational writing programs. Funders provide these grants to foster creative expression and ensure that writers—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—have the necessary resources to share their stories.

Funding for creating writing grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $950,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $9,500, while the average grant awarded is $35,556. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Government organizations at the federal, state, and local levels often provide funding for creative writing grants. Prominent funders include arts organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, along with various state-specific organizations.

Additionally, many private foundations, such as the Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation and the FDC Foundation, also offer support for creative writing initiatives.

To improve grant success for creative writing, here are some things you can do to stand out:

  • Align with funder priorities – Tailor proposals to align with the funder’s mission and key focus areas.
  • Use measurable outcomes – Provide data-driven results to demonstrate past impact and expected future success.
  • Build strategic partnerships – Collaborate with healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations to strengthen applications.
  • Develop a compelling narrative – Use real stories and case studies to highlight the significance of the program.

For additional guidance, explore our step-by-step guide to crafting compelling grant proposals.

Instrumentl assists creative writing organizations in streamlining the grant application process by identifying relevant funders. Just provide Instrumentl with a bit of information about your organization and funding requirements, and you will receive a list of suitable grants within seconds. Discover how Lutheran Braille Workers increased their grant submissions by 150%.

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