Best Grants for Creative Writing in Minnesota

The Graduate Student Conference Support Fund, provided by the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, aims to assist ABDs and recent PhDs in attending the Annual Meeting. This fund offers free or reduced registration for eligible students. Each year, the number of awards depends on contributions to the fund. Membership in ASECS is required for eligibility, and only one award can be granted to each recipient, ensuring broad access to this valuable support.

The Amy Clampitt Poet Residency Program, established by The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers a six-month residency for poets at Amy Clampitt's former home in Lenox, Massachusetts. This program aims to foster the study and promotion of poetry, providing a peaceful retreat for a poet to focus on their craft. Selected poets receive a monthly stipend of $4,000 and are encouraged to make their creative work a priority during their stay.

The American Musicological Society (AMS) provides publication subventions to support music scholarship. With an annual budget of approximately $80,000, these funds assist institutions and individuals, particularly those in the Coalition of Music Organizations, in covering publication costs and enhancing accessibility. Grants are available for various formats including books and articles, promoting diversity in music studies and ensuring that scholarly works can reach a wider audience.

The American Musicological Society (AMS) offers publication subventions to individuals for music studies-related works. With an annual funding of approximately $80,000, the AMS supports authors and editors in covering costs such as illustrations, translations, and copy-editing. Eligible applicants must be AMS members and can request up to $2,500, provided they haven't received funding in the last three years. This initiative promotes scholarly contributions and embraces innovative projects across all career stages.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission is:

• Alpha Omega Alpha — dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:
• recognizing high educational achievement;
• honoring gifted teaching;
• encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community;
• supporting the ideals of humanism; and
• promoting service to others.

Helen H. Glaser Student Essay Award

To encourage medical students to write scholarly essays relevant to medicine. Winning essays will be published in an issue of The Pharos.

Only one entry may be submitted per student.

Requirements

• Essays must be written while the student is in medical school, must be the work of a single author, and must be an original work. The essay must not be offered to, or published by, any other journal or entered in any other contest prior to submission or during, the AΩA selection process.
• The essay must be related to medicine.
• Essays should not be fictional or written in first person, but academic/scientific in theme.
• The essay must not exceed 15 double-spaced pages of 12-point type with minimum 1-inch margins, exclusive of reference listing. The author’s name and essay title must be on each page, and all pages must be numbered.
• Unique references, numbered consecutively, should be limited to 20. (Reference citation of a website is not acceptable unless a site is the sole source of the information or has official academic credentials. Examples of acceptable sites are official government web pages such as that of the National Institutes of Health.)
• The Pharos Editorial Board suggests that authors review George Orwell’s “6 Rules for Writing”.
• Essays that are not selected as award recipients may be submitted to other contests/publications after the winners are announced.
• Essays not meeting all requirements will not be considered.

The PEN Prison Writing Awards, initiated after the 1971 Attica Prison Riots, invites incarcerated writers in the U.S. to submit unpublished works across various genres including Poetry, Fiction, and Memoir. Winners receive cash prizes and their works are published in an annual anthology. This program not only recognizes talent within carceral facilities but also supports writers through mentorship, fostering creativity and expression in challenging circumstances.

The Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency, honoring Michael Latt, is a six-month online program supporting early-career, underrepresented storytellers focused on social impact. Running from March to August 2026, it offers mentorship, feedback sessions, and resources to eight selected fellows in screenwriting, directing, and documentary filmmaking. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress, fostering a supportive creative community to inspire and develop impactful narratives.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Haddy Harrington Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance for students who have demonstrated a passionate desire for advanced education in art or writing. Applicant must be a graduate of a Henderson County high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This is a renewable scholarship.

The RWA Perseverance Fund, administered by the Romance Writers of America (RWA), supports members in financial need for their annual national dues. RWA, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to advancing the interests of romance writers through advocacy and networking. The fund is available to applicants who can demonstrate financial need and commitment to a career in romance writing. Eligibility includes submitting proof of work, while ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all members.

The ISF Media Scholarship Program, established by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports American Muslim students pursuing degrees in media-related fields. With scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the program aims to enhance Muslim representation in media and policy, counter negative portrayals, and foster positive narratives. Eligible applicants must be full-time students or working professionals in supported majors like media studies and journalism, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The PIDS Foundation's Apprenticeship Program fosters early-career pediatric infectious diseases physicians, enhancing their skills in academic publishing. Named in honor of Ralph D. Feigin, the program offers junior faculty members the opportunity to engage with the editorial process of the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. Recipients will contribute to manuscript discussions and special projects, committing approximately four hours weekly. The award will be presented during the PIDS Annual Membership Meeting at IDWeek 2025, with the term spanning October 2025 to October 2026.

The Indigenous Scholarships: Arts Fund facilitates artistic development for Aboriginal Australian, Torres Strait Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian artists. Offering up to $5,000, it supports projects in each other's countries, with applications due in March and September. Since 2002, over $1 million has been awarded to more than 500 artists, fostering cultural exchange and growth in the arts between Australia and the USA.

The AICEF Cultural Grant aims to enhance cultural ties between the United States and Indonesia by funding projects in the performing, visual, and literary arts. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, the foundation seeks to support distinguished individuals and groups whose work is accessible to the public and fosters goodwill between the two nations. This initiative not only promotes artistic excellence but also bridges cultural exchanges for a diverse audience.

The Inga M. Johnson Endowment Fund Grant, supported by West Central Initiative, aims to enhance the quality of life in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. This grant is intended for nonprofit organizations, schools, or government units that promote educational, charitable, scientific, literary, and religious projects. The fund reflects Inga Johnson's community spirit and philanthropic legacy, emphasizing neighborliness, generosity, and empowerment to foster collective action and sustainable growth in the region.

The Amazon Literary Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that empower diverse and marginalized writers. Since 2009, it has provided over $17 million to various literary groups, fostering emerging talent across genres. Eligible organizations must focus on developing writers, celebrating storytelling, and connecting them with audiences. By funding innovative initiatives, Amazon helps ensure that underrepresented voices are heard in the literary community, contributing to a rich and diverse narrative landscape.

The Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council is offering the K-12 School Arts Project Grant to support artist residencies, live performances, mini-workshops, and arts-related field trips for students. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 and are available from July 2025 to March 2026, with monthly deadlines on the 1st, excluding December and January. This initiative aims to enhance access to diverse art forms and improve community quality of life.

The Sauk Centre Area Arts Grants, provided by CommunityGiving, aim to enhance arts and cultural activities in the Sauk Centre area. These grants support a variety of projects, including visual and performing arts, and prioritize initiatives that foster community engagement and accessibility for disadvantaged populations. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities, with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ARAC Art Project Grant offers up to $5,000 for arts activities that benefit local communities in Minnesota. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, colleges, schools, and tribal governments that have operated for at least one year. Projects should engage the public and occur within specified counties. Funds can support various arts initiatives, including performances, exhibitions, and workshops, but cannot be used for general operating costs or activities primarily for private benefit.

The Support Program for Translation and Publication on Japan offers financial assistance to overseas publishers for translating and publishing Japanese works. It covers part of costs incurred between April 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027, including translation fees and publication expenses. Eligible costs include paper, typesetting, and printing, but do not cover editing or copyright fees. The goal is to enhance global understanding of Japan through literature.