Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry Grants

The Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry, established through a bequest in 1972, supports both established and emerging poets, as well as translation projects and initiatives that foster poetry's role in American culture. Grants up to $10,000 are available annually, with multi-year support possible. The foundation prioritizes programs that enhance public appreciation of poetry, including those targeting specific audiences like youth-at-risk and marginalized communities.

Through a bequest from Witter Bynner in 1972, The Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry perpetuates the art of poetry. The foundation promotes poetry in American culture and encourages grant proposals that expand awareness of the positive effects of poetry on society.
Grant Categories
The following categories may serve as a guideline to applicants in determining whether their programs fall within the foundations funding priorities.
Individual Poets
In 1997 the Board of Directors approved an annual grant to the Library of Congress for Witter Bynner Fellowships selected by the Poet Laureate. To date, Witter Bynner Fellowship recipients have been selected by Robert Pinsky, Stanley Kunitz, Billy Collins, and Louise Gluck. For further information go to www.loc.gov.
Translation and the Process of Translation
The translation of poetry from languages not currently available to English readers and poetry which has not been translated or merits a new translation. Projects, which explore the art and the process of translation, are also encouraged. The foundation does not fund publications of poetry-in-translation; it rather makes it a priority to give grants to individual translators. Samples from the proposed translation should accompany the application.
Developing the Poetry Audience
Organizations applying in this category should indicate who the target audience will be. Please describe previous programming the organization has successfully completed. Past programming has included documentary film production, dramatic presentations, school poetry programs, reading series, conferences, and seminars.
Uses of Poetry
Programs that use poetry for the greater public good. Model programs or curriculums that can be transferred to and used by other organizations are preferred. Past programs have focused on youth-at-risk, hospital and therapeutic programs, minorities, people with disabilities, prison programs, curriculum development, and documentary films.
Grant Amounts and Duration
Organizations may apply annually for grant support up to a maximum of $10,000. Multi-year grants are one-year grants that may be renewed at the discretion of the foundation for a maximum of three years in most cases. After an organization has received funding for a three-year period they must wait three years to reapply.

Eligibility

Grant support is provided to non-profit, tax exempt organizations as defined under section 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

Ineligibility

The foundation does not support indirect costs for grant administration, endowment funds, capital improvements, or general operating expenses.