Best Grants for Creative Writing

The City of Carlsbad Community Arts Grants support educational institutions and affiliated groups in enhancing arts education through various programs. Aiming to foster creativity and cultural engagement, this initiative promotes diverse representation and participation in arts. Grants of up to $3,500 are available for projects that prioritize inclusivity and community impact. Applications are open to nonprofit schools and organizations in Carlsbad, adhering to specific guidelines that ensure equitable access to arts funding.

The City of Carlsbad's Community Arts Grants program supports emerging arts organizations in Carlsbad, CA. Aimed at fostering artistic and cultural activities, these grants provide up to $5,000 for projects that engage diverse communities. Applicants must be recognized as nonprofit entities, with a focus on inclusive practices and artistic expression across various mediums. The program emphasizes collaboration and community impact, aligning with the city's cultural values and commitment to enriching local arts.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20,000 grant for writers focusing on sculpture, encouraging diverse voices in this field. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or hold an O-1 visa, and have published work within the last five years. The grant aims to support fresh perspectives on the history and aesthetics of sculpture, promoting artistic growth and innovation. Applications are limited to one submission per individual, ensuring a fair opportunity for all.

The Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, established in 1975, awards $25,000 to the best book of poetry published in the U.S. the previous year. It includes a ten-day residency at Glen Hollow, New York, and distribution to Academy of American Poets members. Eligible poets must be U.S. citizens or residents and submit original works published in the prior year. Self-published books and translations are ineligible, promoting excellence in contemporary American poetry.

The Alaska Literary Awards, established in 2014 by the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, support literary artists in poetry, fiction, and more. With annual awards of $5,000, the program aims to recognize quality work from Alaska residents. Applicants must be over 18 and not enrolled in full-time studies. The awards allow recipients the freedom to use the funds as they wish, fostering creativity and growth in Alaska's literary community.

The Master Artist and Apprentice Grant, offered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, aims to preserve traditional Alaska Native art forms through apprenticeships. This program supports a one-on-one learning experience between an apprentice and a master artist in various art disciplines, such as visual arts, crafts, and storytelling. Priority is given to cultural traditions, ensuring funds primarily support the master artist's fee, thereby fostering the growth of Alaska Native arts in the community.

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program provides $2,000 in funding to support creative entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania. This initiative aims to foster business growth by offering access to consulting services and resources tailored for those starting or developing a for-profit micro business. The program prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, focusing on BIPOC entrepreneurs and those serving low-income communities, thus playing a vital role in economic recovery and innovation.

The Jonathan Larson Grants provide essential support to emerging musical theatre artists, helping composers, lyricists, and librettists further their creative endeavors. Established in memory of Jonathan Larson, creator of the iconic musical "Rent," these grants empower artists to create impactful work that resonates with contemporary culture. The program, sustained by the American Theatre Wing and the Larson Family, encourages professional growth and artistic exploration without the limitations of specific projects.

Social Impact Artist Award

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and Denver Arts & Venues are proud to launch the Social Impact Artist Award. The award honors the outstanding contributions of three Denver-based artist collectives dedicated to championing positive impact and social justice through their artistic practice with a $50,000 award that includes $15,000 for a socially engaged project.

Socially engaged art serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change within communities, fostering connections, dialogue, and collective action. Collectives who work in partnership with local organizations and residents to co-create meaningful interventions and initiatives not only raise awareness about important issues but also empower individuals to become active participants in shaping their own communities. By fostering empathy and solidarity, these artistic interventions build bridges across divides and inspire collective action toward a more equitable and just society. Ultimately, socially engaged art reaffirms the intrinsic connection between creativity, community, and social change, demonstrating the transformative potential of art to shape the world we live in.

Program Goals:

• Support individual artists or artist collectives in Denver who are actively engaged in addressing social issues through their creative practice.
• Showcase the impact of socially engaged art in promoting dialogue, raising awareness about the cultural diversity in our city, and fostering partnerships and collaborations to support thriving communities.
• Prioritize and amplify the perspectives and experiences of artists and culture bearers who identify with historically marginalized communities.
• Elevate the profile of Denver as a center for socially conscious artistic expression and innovation.
• Encourage and provide project funding for artists to explore ways for the community to participate in, respond to, inform, and learn from their work.

How many $50,000 prizes will be awarded this year?

• Three artist collectives will be selected.

How are the funds issued to awardees?

Upon selection, the three (3) awardees must submit a W9 to Bonfils-Stanton Foundation for the $35,000 award as the foundation is required by the IRS to issue a 1099 to the individual for the amount. Members of artist collectives will split the $35,000 cash award evenly.

The project funds will be awarded separately through Denver Arts & Venues. Artist collectives will work together on a project with the allocated $15,000 budget.

Social Impact Artist Award

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and Denver Arts & Venues are proud to launch the Social Impact Artist Award. The award honors the outstanding contributions of three Denver-based artists dedicated to championing positive impact and social justice through their artistic practice with a $50,000 award that includes $15,000 for a socially engaged project.

Socially engaged art serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change within communities, fostering connections, dialogue, and collective action. Artists who work in partnership with local organizations and residents to co-create meaningful interventions and initiatives not only raise awareness about important issues but also empower individuals to become active participants in shaping their own communities. By fostering empathy and solidarity, these artistic interventions build bridges across divides and inspire collective action toward a more equitable and just society. Ultimately, socially engaged art reaffirms the intrinsic connection between creativity, community, and social change, demonstrating the transformative potential of art to shape the world we live in.

Program Goals:

• Support individual artists in Denver who are actively engaged in addressing social issues through their creative practice.
• Showcase the impact of socially engaged art in promoting dialogue, raising awareness about the cultural diversity in our city, and fostering partnerships and collaborations to support thriving communities.
• Prioritize and amplify the perspectives and experiences of artists and culture bearers who identify with historically marginalized communities.
• Elevate the profile of Denver as a center for socially conscious artistic expression and innovation.
• Encourage and provide project funding for artists to explore ways for the community to participate in, respond to, inform, and learn from their work.

How many $50,000 prizes will be awarded this year?

• Three individual artists will be selected.

How are the funds issued to awardees?

Upon selection, the three (3) awardees must submit a W9 to Bonfils-Stanton Foundation for the $35,000 award as the foundation is required by the IRS to issue a 1099 to the individual for the amount.

The project funds will be awarded separately through Denver Arts & Venues. Individual artists will work together on a project with the allocated $15,000 budget.

The Marie Darlin Prize, administered by the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and overseen by the Juneau Community Foundation, honors exceptional artistic and scholarly works that reflect Southeast Alaska's cultural heritage. Awarded annually, the prize of $5,000 recognizes individuals or collaborations committed to the region's social and cultural history, community advocacy, and Indigenous identity. Eligible applicants include writers, visual artists, and performers who have produced significant works within the last five years.

The Margaret Frans Brady Scholarship for Arts, established by the Juneau Community Foundation, aims to support arts and education initiatives in Skagway and northern Southeast Alaska. This fund assists students and artists by providing scholarships to enhance their creative skills across various disciplines, including writing, music, and visual arts. Grants of up to $10,000 may be awarded to help participants attend arts-related programs, camps, or educational institutions.

The Arts Vibrancy Endowment’s Individual Artist Award supports artists residing in Juneau by funding specific short-term projects that enhance their creative work. This grant, established by community members, aims to foster artistic growth and community engagement through various art forms. Eligible applicants include individuals and collaborations, provided they meet residency and age requirements. The award emphasizes the importance of artistic development and aims to facilitate opportunities for artists to share their work with the public.

The Montana Fellowship, initiated in 2005 by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, offers a fully-funded one-month residency for writers, visual artists, and composers from Montana. This initiative targets underserved regions, providing a supportive environment at Mt. San Angelo that includes private accommodations, individual studios, and meals. The fellowship encourages applications from diverse artistic perspectives and disciplines, fostering creativity and collaboration among artists.

The Goldfarb Family Fellowship for Creative Nonfiction, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, provides a two-week fully-funded residency at Mt. San Angelo for writers of creative nonfiction. Established in 2000, this fellowship supports both emerging and established artists, encouraging diverse perspectives in various disciplines. The residency includes private accommodations, studio space, and meals, fostering a vibrant community of cross-disciplinary artists.

The Barbara Crooker Caregiving Fellowship, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, supports artists caring for ill or disabled family members. This fully-funded residency provides a private bedroom, studio space, and meals in a collaborative environment. Artists from all disciplines are encouraged to apply, fostering diversity and creativity. Established by poet Barbara Crooker, the fellowship aims to empower caregivers by offering them dedicated time for their artistic pursuits, ensuring their vital contributions to the arts are recognized.

The Marian Treger Fellowship for Enduring Creativity, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, supports women artists in mid-life and beyond, whose creative journeys may have faced obstacles due to chronic health issues or disabilities. This fellowship includes a two-week residency and a financial stipend to empower recipients to focus on their artistic projects. It honors Marian Treger’s remarkable creativity and aims to foster diversity within the arts community.

The Steven Petrow and Julie Petrow-Cohen LGBTQ+ Fellowship, established in 2016 and awarded by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, supports LGBTQ+ writers across genres. This competitive fellowship offers a fully-funded two-week residency at Mt. San Angelo, providing applicants with private accommodations and communal meals. The fellowship aims to foster creativity and diversity within the arts community, encouraging both emerging and established artists to apply and share their unique perspectives.

The Alison Lurie Memorial Fellowship for Female-Identifying Fiction Writers, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, provides a two-week residency for a female-identifying fiction writer. This fully-funded opportunity includes a private bedroom, individual studio, and meals in a creative community. Supported by Edward Hower in memory of his wife Alison Lurie, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, this fellowship aims to foster artistic growth and diverse perspectives in writing.

The Alonzo Davis Fellowship, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, supports outstanding American writers, visual artists, and composers of African or Latin American descent. This fully-funded, two-week residency encourages creativity and diversity, allowing selected artists to engage deeply with their work. Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program and can apply in one creative discipline. This initiative honors Alonzo Davis's legacy in fostering artistic talent and promoting cultural expression.

The Anne Spencer Fellowship, established in 2017 by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA), offers a one-month residency and a $1,500 honorarium to African American writers, visual artists, and composers. This program fosters creativity and diversity, providing artists with private living and studio spaces at Mt. San Angelo, along with meals. Participants engage with the local community through presentations or workshops, honoring the legacy of poet Anne Spencer.

The Richard S. and Julia Louise Reynolds Poetry Fellowship, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA), provides fully-funded three-week writing residencies for poets. This fellowship supports both emerging and established artists, fostering creativity in a vibrant community. Poets enjoy private accommodations, meals, and dedicated studio space at the picturesque Mt. San Angelo. Applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the fellowship's commitment to artistic expression and collaboration.

The Christina Chiu AAPI Writers Fellowship, established in 2022 by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA), aims to support AAPI writers by providing a free two-week residency at Mt. San Angelo. This residency includes a private bedroom, studio space, and meals in a diverse community of artists. VCCA encourages applications from emerging and established writers across various disciplines, fostering creativity and collaboration within the arts.

The MacColl Johnson Fellowship Program, managed by the Rhode Island Foundation in collaboration with the Alliance of Artists Communities, offers up to three $30,000 fellowships annually for emerging and mid-career Rhode Island writers. This fellowship, established in 2003, aims to support artistic development in the literary field. Eligible candidates must demonstrate residency and artistic promise. Applications are accepted for various written genres, emphasizing the submission of recent work to showcase current artistic practice.

The Gerrit R. Ludwig Scholarship Fund supports high school graduates from East Hawai'i pursuing degrees in fine arts or classics. Established by Dr. Gerrit Ludwig, an ophthalmologist with a passion for the arts, this fund aims to assist students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Eligible applicants must be full-time students at accredited institutions in the US and graduates of East Hawai'i public high schools.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship Fund honors Samuel W. Wilcox II, supporting Kauai residents pursuing degrees in finance, business, or liberal arts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students. Preference is given to previous awardees who remain eligible. This fund aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals while honoring the legacy of its founder through continued support for higher education.

The Gerald W. G. Kwock Charitable Foundation, established in 2015, provides scholarships for O'ahu high school seniors attending public or private schools. Awards range, typically around $6,000, depending on fund size and applicant qualifications. Eligible students must reside in Hawaii, demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA, and be full-time students at any University of Hawaii institution. Preference is given to previous recipients and those majoring in Journalism, English, or Communications.