Grants for Creative Writing

Grants for Creative Writing provide funding for organizations and programs in this focus area. Sources include federal agencies, state programs, and private foundations. Use the listings below to find current opportunities, eligibility requirements, and deadlines — and apply directly to the funder when you find a fit.

294 grants
Foundation
Updated daily
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts · Rolling / Open Foundation

Christina Chiu AAPI Writers Fellowship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Amount: Unspecified amount in in-kind support Last Updated: December 03, 2025 Summary The…

THE THOMAS D CLARK FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Clark Medallion Book Award Overview: An annual award given to a University Press of Kentucky (UPK) book that exemplifies high scholarly and literary standards championed by the late historian Thomas…

ASSEMBLY FOR THE ARTS · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Cleveland Arts Prize Geographic Scope: Northeast Ohio Award Categories: - Discipline Prizes: Emerging Artist and Mid-Career Artist awards ($10,000 each) - Special Prizes: Robert P. Bergman Prize,…

COLORADO HUMANITIES · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Colorado Book Awards Overview: The Colorado Book Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions by Colorado authors, editors, illustrators, and photographers. Now in their 29th year (as of…

LANE ARTS COUNCIL · April 10, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Community Arts Artist Grant Funder: City of Eugene Cultural Services Division, administered by Lane Arts Council Geographic Scope: Eugene, Oregon Purpose: Provides financial support to individual…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NORTH · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview What We Do The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources. We are a nonprofit, public charity serving…

CULTURETRUST GREATER PHILADELPHIA · May 1, 2026 Foundation

Community of Literary Magazines and Presses Focus: Support for literary magazines and presses Eligibility: - Required: Registered nonprofits in the US - Core Mission: Must develop emerging writers,…

CULTUREWORKS GREATER PHILADELPHIA · May 1, 2026 Foundation

Community of Literary Magazines and Presses Deadline: May 1, 2026 Eligibility - Applicants must be registered nonprofits in the US - Core mission must be to develop emerging writers, support…

Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Playwrights' Center · Rolling / Open Foundation

Core Writer Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Playwrights' Center Amount: Unspecified amount in in-kind support Last Updated: September 20, 2025 Summary The Core Writer Grant Program is a…

CREATIVE CAPITAL FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Creative Capital Award Overview: The Creative Capital Award is the only national open call grant program dedicated to funding artists creating new work in every discipline. Award Amount: Unrestricted…

ESSEX COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Creative County Grants Funding for the arts is more critical now than ever before Public art brings people together. Sharing diverse cultures paves the way for understanding, civic discourse…

THE DRAMATISTS GUILD FUND INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Crisis Relief Grants Overview: Emergency grants designed to help writers facing financial crises or urgent hardship situations. Purpose: To provide financial assistance to writers experiencing…

RECESS ACTIVITIES INC · April 30, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Critical Writing Program Overview: Critical Writing is a year-long program for writers to practice the art of cultural criticism and textual media in a small cohort setting. The program facilitates…

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY ASTOR LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS · Rolling / Open Foundation

Cullman Center Fellowship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: New York Public Library Amount: US $90,000 Last Updated: August 15, 2025 Summary The Cullman Center Fellowship at The New York Public Library…

Up to US $10,000
South Carolina Arts Commission · Rolling / Open Foundation

Cultural Districts Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: South Carolina Arts Commission Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: February 24, 2026 Summary Overview South Carolina Arts Commission The mission of…

Del Shores Foundation · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Del Shores Foundation Writers Search Overview: A playwriting competition established by the Del Shores Foundation to discover and support new theatrical voices. Focus Areas: - Playwriting - Theatre…

THE DRAMATISTS GUILD FUND INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

DGF Bridge Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Dramatists Guild Foundation Amount: US $500 Last Updated: July 17, 2025 Summary The DGF Bridge Grants provide essential financial support of $500 to…

Up to US $15,000
THE DRAMATISTS GUILD FUND INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

DGF Crisis Relief Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Dramatists Guild Foundation Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: October 02, 2025 Summary The DGF Crisis Relief Grants provide essential financial…

THE DRAMATISTS GUILD FUND INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

DGF National Fellows Program Overview: A nine-month intensive program designed to augment the training of American writers early in their careers and enhance community among playwrights and musical…

MOVING PICTURE INSTITUTE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Directing Workshop Overview: Multi-day workshop focusing on essential directing skills taught by industry-leading professionals. Format: In-person workshop Duration: Multi-day format Instructors:…

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of grants for creative writing are available?
Grants for Creative Writing come from a mix of sources. Federal grants typically have the largest awards but more competition. State programs often pass through federal funding with state-specific priorities. Foundation grants tend to be smaller but more flexible, with funders looking for organizations whose mission aligns with their giving priorities.
Who is eligible for grants for creative writing?
Eligibility varies by funder. Most grants require 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, though some are open to schools, government agencies, businesses, or individuals. Each listing on this page links to the source application where you can find specific eligibility criteria, required documents, and how to apply.
How do I apply for grants for creative writing?
Start by reviewing the listings below for grants that match your organization's mission and stage. Click through to each grant's source page for full application details. Most funders require an organizational profile, project narrative, budget, and supporting documents. Apply early — competitive grants often close before their deadline.

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