Literary Arts Grants: For Writers

South Arts Inc. is offering Literary Arts Grants to support writers, independent publishers, and literary organizations focusing on contemporary literature in the Southern U.S. Grants of up to $5,000 will fund projects in poetry, fiction, and other genres. Eligible applicants must be full-time residents of the South Arts region. The initiative aims to amplify the literary traditions of the American South, fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse literary projects.

Note: Please see the South Arts Literary Arts Grants for Publishers here.
South Arts Inc
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.
In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.
As part of its Literary Arts Initiative, South Arts is excited to announce Literary Arts Grants. These project grants will be made to writers, independent literary publishers, small presses, and literary arts missioned organizations that focus on contemporary literary arts. These grants deepen our commitment to amplifying literary traditions and practices of the American South through directly funding the initiation, development, and completion of literary arts projects in poetry, fiction, creative or literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama (playwriting and screenwriting).
South Arts will award literary arts grants up to $5,000. Applicants (writers) must include writing samples and other required attachments.
Types of Projects Supported
Literary Grants support projects across several categories: Creative Literary Work Creation and Publishing, Community Engagement, and Professional Development.
CREATIVE LITERARY WORK CREATION AND PUBLISHING
(Writers and Literary Arts Organizations-Small Literary Presses/Publishers-grants up to $5,000)
For writers and independent publishers and presses who seek support for projects that engage contemporary writers who live and create in the South Arts region in the development and publishing of creative works across literary genres including poetry, fiction, drama, playwriting, and creative nonfiction. Content may be published in print, digitally, and/or in audio formats, and should be in English.
Projects that are eligible for support include,
CREATION PROJECTS (writers only- new works and in-progress writing projects)
LITERARY PUBLISHING PROJECTS (organizations only)
Proposals may incorporate one or more of the following:

• Use of technology to enhance delivery to audiences and strengthen community connectedness.

Innovation and advancement opportunities in the creative literary arts, including cross-sector collaborations and non-traditional approaches to the development of literary content.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
(Writers and Literary Arts Organizations-grants up to $5,000)
For writers and literary arts organizations who seek support for projects that engage the public with contemporary writers and creative literary works. Projects may have a local or regional focus where eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• Reading Series
• Festivals
• Podcasts
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• (Writers only - grants up to $1,000 for travel and conferences/workshops; up to $2,000 for residencies/retreats)

This project type and deadline is for writers and emphasizes professional development opportunities that serve to enhance a writer's career. Proposed projects may be local, national or international opportunities where eligible projects include:

• Writer Retreats or residencies
• Travel for writers to take advantage of a career enhancing opportunities that is not related to conference attendance
• Writer's conferences or workshops that allow writers to enhance skills and grow a peer network

Eligibility

For Writers (Individuals)
One application per artist or arts organization per funding cycle will be accepted.Applicant artists must be 18 years of age or older.Applicant artists must not be enrolled in a literary arts/writing academic program at time of application and at receipt of award.Applicant must be a current, full-time resident of the South Arts region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, The Carolinas, Tennessee) both at the time of application, and during the project period.
For Literary Arts Organizations
Based in the South Arts Region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, The Carolinas, Tennessee) both at the time of application and during the project period.Other non-profit organizations with a literary arts mission.

Ineligibility

Works authored by more than one person are ineligible.
Ineligible EntitiesUnits of government
Colleges/Universities are ineligible to apply for this grant.
Literary Arts Grants awardees from the prior funding cycle.
Applicants applying for the same project through other South Arts grant programs.
Unallowable ActivitiesGeneral operating support. Support for a full season of programming. Courses or coursework in degree-granting or continuing education institutions. Literary publishing that does not focus on contemporary literature and/or writers. Publication of books, exhibition of works, or other projects by the applicant organization's board members, faculty, or trustees. Projects for which no curatorial, juried, or editorial judgment has been applied to the selection of artists or art works. Social activities such as receptions, parties, galas, community dinners, picnics, and potlucks. Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable; generally, this includes activities at venues such as bars, wineries, and breweries where the consumption of alcohol/social activity is the primary purpose of the venue. Awards to individuals or organizations to honor or recognize achievement. Commercial (for-profit) enterprises or activities, including arts markets, concessions, food, t-shirts, artwork, or other items for resale. This includes online or virtual sales/shops. Construction, purchase, or renovation of facilities.Sub-granting or regranting.Use of funds to serve as a match for other South Arts grants programs.