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Best Grants for Creative Writing

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

439

Available grants

$5.6M

Total funding

$5K

Median grant

439 grants
$5.6M total
$5K median

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439 Results based on applied filters

Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) Fellowship: Short-Term Fellows

Yale University
Private
New Haven County, Connecticut
Unspecified amount
The Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) Fellowship offers short-term opportunities for scholars and artists to engage with Yale's rich collections. This fellowship, lasting one to three months, enables fellows to research various aspects of religious thought and practice. It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration across fields such as anthropology, musicology, and theology. Ideal for doctoral students or scholars with terminal degrees, the fellowship supports projects that align with the ISM's mission of fostering the arts in human flourishing.
Music Humanities & Social Science Sociology +9 more

Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) Fellowship: Long-term Fellows

Yale University
Private
New Haven County, Connecticut
Unspecified amount
The Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) Fellowship at Yale University offers long-term fellowships for scholars and artists whose work aligns with the Institute's mission. Each year, a diverse group of fellows engages in interdisciplinary projects, exploring areas from Buddhist chant to African American sacred music. This fellowship provides access to Yale's rich resources, allowing fellows to teach courses and participate actively in a vibrant academic community, fostering the integration of arts and theology.
Cross-Cultural Understanding & Exchanges Music Sociology +9 more

Alabama Power Foundation: Power to Play Grants

Alabama Power Foundation
Corporate
Alabama
Up to US $2,500
The Alabama Power Foundation's Power to Play Grants aim to enhance student success through athletics, arts, and music. With a focus on equitable access, these grants support schools and organizations in creating opportunities for K-12 students. By facilitating extracurricular involvement, the program fosters improved academic performance and graduation rates. Eligible applicants include Title I schools and 501(c)(3) organizations, with funding directed towards new sports, arts programs, and music initiatives, ultimately enriching the educational experience for students across Alabama.
Art Education Sports & Athletics Education - Middle School +7 more

Colorado Creates Grant

Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
State/Local Government
Colorado
US $4,000 - US $10,000
The Colorado Creates Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, supports nonprofit arts organizations in Colorado. This competitive grant program provides general operating support based on the applicant's cash operating revenue. Eligible organizations must have been active for at least three years, hold a cash operating budget of at least $25,000, and focus on arts activities. The grant fosters collaboration and community engagement, aiming to enhance economic growth through the creative sector.
Media Arts Performing Arts Visual Arts +2 more

Fine Arts Fund Grant

Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley
Private
Iroquois County, Illinois, Kankakee County, Illinois
Up to US $3,300
The Fine Arts Fund Grant, administered by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, aims to enhance cultural initiatives in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. Grants of up to $2,500 will support non-profit organizations in various artistic disciplines, including music, literature, and visual arts. The foundation seeks impactful projects that demonstrate creativity and community engagement, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to foster artistic expression and community development.
Fine Art Music Music Education +6 more

Louisiana Project Grants: Region 1

Arts Council New Orleans
Private
Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, Orleans Parish, Louisiana +1 more
US $2,500 - US $7,500
The Louisiana Project Grants program, administered by the Louisiana Division of the Arts and regional arts councils, provides funding for diverse arts projects across the state. With $1 million allocated from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, artists, schools, and nonprofits can develop initiatives that address local community needs. The program supports various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, visual arts, and literature, fostering innovation and cultural impact in each region.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation Dance Design +6 more

Betty Ann McCullough: Enrichment Project Grants Program

Community Foundation Alliance, Inc.
Private
Gibson County, Indiana
Unspecified amount
The Betty Ann McCullough Enrichment Project Grants Program, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, provides funding and challenge grants to schools and educational organizations in Gibson County, Indiana. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities in mathematics, science, and language arts for both youth and adults. Proposals are reviewed by the McCullough Education Committee and must align with community needs to be considered for funding.
Academic Success & Enrichment STEM / STEAM Education Writing & Literature +2 more

Arts Legacy Grants - Regular

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council
Private
Kittson County, Minnesota, Marshall County, Minnesota +5 more
US $3,000 - US $10,000
The Arts Legacy Grants - Regular program, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, provides funding for art projects that enhance local artists and engage communities in Region 1. Grants range from $3,000 to $10,000, requiring a 10% cash match. Projects must be completed within 24 months and support public art initiatives. Eligible applicants include individuals and non-profit organizations within the specified counties of northwestern Minnesota.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation Visual Arts +9 more

Arts Grants for Schools: Arts Equipment for Schools

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council
Private
Kittson County, Minnesota, Marshall County, Minnesota +5 more
Up to US $3,000
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council offers the Arts Grants for Schools program, providing funding up to $3,000 for artistic equipment in schools across seven counties. Eligible applicants include Minnesota non-profit organizations and school districts, with a 25% cash match required. This initiative aims to enhance the visual arts, performing arts, media arts, and creative writing departments in educational institutions, fostering creativity and artistic development.
Visual Arts Performing Arts Writing & Literature +2 more

Grants for Cities/Counties/Nonprofit Organizations

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council
Private
Kittson County, Minnesota, Marshall County, Minnesota +5 more
US $500 - US $10,000
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council provides grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 for arts projects benefiting communities in northwestern Minnesota. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental entities, supporting initiatives like public art, theatrical productions, and community workshops. A minimum cash match of 10% is required, increasing to 25% for certain projects. This funding aims to enhance cultural engagement and artistic development across seven counties in the region.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation Visual Arts +9 more

Yukon Foundation Project Grants

Yukon Foundation
Private
Canada
Unspecified amount
The Yukon Foundation Project Grants support various initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of Yukoners. Established in 1980, the foundation has grown significantly and now administers over $8 million in scholarships and grants. The grants focus on educational advancement, cultural preservation, and community well-being, encouraging projects that benefit the local population and promote sustainable development. This funding is essential for fostering growth and leadership among Yukoners in diverse fields.
Crime & Justice Physical Disabilities Women & Girl Services +32 more

Lyon Foundation Grants

Lyon Foundation
Private
Washington County, Oklahoma
Unspecified amount
The E.H. Lyon and Melody Lyon Foundation, established in 1972, focuses on supporting charitable, religious, and educational organizations. It funds projects that align with its mission to aid public institutions and scientific research. However, it does not provide grants for ongoing operational expenses, existing debts, or scholarships. Proposals must include clear objectives, a detailed budget, and other funding sources to be considered for support. This ensures that grants are used effectively to benefit the community.
Religion & Spirituality Writing & Literature Education +4 more

The St. Johns Cultural Council Tommy Bledsoe State of the Arts (SOTA) Grant Program

St. Johns Cultural Council
Private
St. Johns County, Florida
US $1,500
The St. Johns Cultural Council offers the State of the Arts Grants, providing six $1,500 awards to support individual artists and arts organizations in St. Johns County. Applications open annually on September 1st, aiming to fund innovative projects in various artistic disciplines. Priority is given to proposals that engage underserved communities or enhance arts education. This competitive grant process encourages creative proposals while ensuring minimal application burden on applicants.
Art & Culture Art Education Public / Community Art +10 more

Impact 100 Greater Chesapeake: Transformational Grant

Impact100 Greater Chesapeake
Private
Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Unspecified amount
The Impact 100 Greater Chesapeake Transformational Grant aims to fund high-impact community projects in Anne Arundel County. Applications are welcomed from tax-exempt public charities focusing on areas such as arts, education, environment, family, and health. Grant amounts are determined by pooling member contributions, with a unique approach to funding initiatives that promote sustainability and community improvement. Interested nonprofits must adhere to eligibility criteria and submit proposals by the designated deadlines.
Environmental Conservation Environmental Stewardship Environmental Education +14 more

Alameda County ARTSFUND Grant Program

Alameda County Arts Commission
State/Local Government
Alameda County, California
Up to US $2,500
The Alameda County ARTSFUND Grant Program, managed by the Alameda County Arts Commission, aims to support nonprofit arts and cultural organizations serving the community. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 are available for various artistic endeavors, including visual arts, dance, and theater. This initiative fosters creativity and cultural expression, reinforcing the belief that arts are vital to community success. The program is funded through county contributions and community donations.
Art & Culture Dance Writing & Literature +6 more

Harry and Lois McCullough Fund

Richland County Foundation
Private
Richland County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Harry and Lois McCullough Fund, established under the Richland County Foundation, supports teachers in Richland County by funding innovative projects that promote writing, literature appreciation, music, and Ohio history. Grants are available to K-12 educators from both public and private schools, encouraging creative methods to engage students. This initiative is part of the Foundation's broader mission to enhance the quality of life through strategic philanthropy and community leadership.
Writing & Literature Music Community Culture & Heritage

Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Grant - General Capital Grants

Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation
Private
Hawaii
Up to US $500,000
The Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Grant supports small capital projects and equipment costing under $500,000, benefiting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii. Established in 1938, the foundation focuses on arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and community initiatives. Preference is given to projects on Kauai, emphasizing board participation in funding. Notably, grants do not cover individual requests, endowments, or deficit financing, ensuring a broad community impact.
Human & Social Services Education Religion & Spirituality +6 more

Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Grant - General Operating Grants

Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation
Private
Hawaii
Unspecified amount
The Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Grant supports various fields including arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Established in 1938, it offers general operating grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii. The foundation prefers projects that engage the community, especially on Kauai, and typically requires a strong relationship with the Trust. However, it does not fund individuals or multiple-year projects.
Science Religion & Spirituality Art & Culture +6 more

ASC: Emerging Creators Fellowship

Arts & Science Council
Private
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Up to US $10,000
The ASC: Emerging Creators Fellowship supports early-career artists in Mecklenburg County by providing essential resources for sustainable creative practices. Designed for vocational creatives, this fellowship empowers individuals at a crucial point in their artistic careers. Activities funded can include apprenticeships, innovative explorations, and project executions, all aimed at enhancing their artistic voice. This initiative fosters a vibrant cultural community, ensuring that local artists can thrive and contribute significantly to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.
Art & Culture Science History +5 more

Creative Support Funding: Major Cultural Organizations

New Mexico Arts
State/Local Government
New Mexico
Up to US $10,000
The Creative Support Funding for Major Cultural Organizations by New Mexico Arts encourages larger arts organizations with unrestricted income over $750,000 to apply for funding. This program supports various artistic disciplines, allowing organizations to fund single events or entire seasons. With a shift to a two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, applicants awarded in FY2026 can submit a renewal for FY2027, ensuring ongoing support for the arts community.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation Writing & Literature Performing Arts +3 more

Creative Support Funding: Community Arts Grants

New Mexico Arts
State/Local Government
New Mexico
US $10,000
The Creative Support Funding: Community Arts Grants by New Mexico Arts offers financial assistance to arts organizations for various program activities, including performing, visual, literary, media, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary arts. This funding aims to support small-budget organizations, helping them to continue, strengthen, and expand their programs and engage with the community. Notably, organizations funded in FY2026 can apply for a renewal in FY2027, fostering continuity in arts programming.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation Visual Arts +3 more

Creative Support Funding: Colleges, Universities and Government Entities Grants

New Mexico Arts
State/Local Government
New Mexico
US $10,000
New Mexico Arts offers Creative Support Funding to colleges, universities, and government entities for arts programming. With a two-year funding cycle beginning in FY2026, successful applicants can apply for renewal in FY2027. This funding supports a variety of artistic disciplines, including performing, visual, literary, and media arts, ensuring that programs are accessible to the community at large. Eligible organizations will be notified when the renewal application process opens.
Performing Arts Visual Arts Writing & Literature +2 more

Creative Support Funding: Arts Projects Grants

New Mexico Arts
State/Local Government
New Mexico
US $10,000
New Mexico Arts offers Creative Support Funding to support arts organizations and presenters in various disciplines, including performing, visual, literary, media, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary arts. This funding is aimed at organizations with medium-sized budgets, specifically those with unrestricted income between $100,000 and $749,999. The program has transitioned to a two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, allowing successful applicants to submit shorter renewal applications for FY2027.
Art & Culture Performing Arts Visual Arts +3 more

Arts in Social Service Grants

New Mexico Arts
State/Local Government
New Mexico
US $10,000
The Arts in Social Service Grants from New Mexico Arts supports organizations focused on arts-based projects that tackle social issues affecting marginalized populations such as the incarcerated, homeless, and ill. With a two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, eligible organizations can renew their applications for FY2027. This initiative fosters civic dialogues through artistic activities, encouraging community involvement in vital social discussions.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation Visual Arts Writing & Literature +5 more

Mount Horeb Community Foundation Grant

Mount Horeb Community Foundation
State/Local Government
Dane County, Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The Mount Horeb Community Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the welfare of the Mt. Horeb community since 1988. They provide monetary grants to local organizations and projects, offering a personalized approach to philanthropy. Individuals and groups within the community can apply for funding to support initiatives that enrich the common welfare. However, the foundation does not fund general operating expenses, endowments, or political activities.
Education Writing & Literature Religion & Spirituality +2 more

Waunakee Community Foundation Grants

Waunakee Community Foundation
Private
Dane County, Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The Waunakee Community Foundation, established in 2004, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Waunakee area by funding impactful projects. This private foundation supports charitable, educational, scientific, recreational, and literary initiatives that address community needs and foster collaboration. Organizations serving the Greater Waunakee Area, especially within the school district, are encouraged to apply, provided they uphold non-discrimination principles.
Education Science Writing & Literature +2 more

East Arts Grant Program (formerly East of the River)

DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
State/Local Government
District of Columbia
Up to US $35,000
The East Arts Grant Program supports BIPOC-centered non-profit organizations in the northeast and southeast quadrants of Washington, DC, providing high-quality arts and humanities experiences. This initiative aims to enhance community identity and elevate the creative excellence of artists through various disciplines, including dance, visual arts, and literature. By fostering access to these experiences, the program enriches the cultural landscape and quality of life for local residents.
Humanities & Social Science Arts / Culture Access & Participation Dance +6 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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Local Grants by City

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