WNDB: Walter Dean Myers Grant Program

WNDB: Walter Dean Myers Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: We Need Diverse Books
Amount: US $2,000
Last Updated: October 15, 2025

Summary

The Walter Dean Myers Grant Program, established by We Need Diverse Books, offers $2,000 grants to promising unpublished diverse writers and illustrators. Aimed at enhancing their craft and supporting traditional publication pursuits, this initiative has awarded over 70 grants since 2015, resulting in nearly 60 published books and numerous literary accolades. Applicants must identify as diverse and be U.S. residents, working towards a career in children's literature.

Overview

Who We Are We Need Diverse Books is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that takes a holistic approach in improving literacy and building compassion by affecting change across the entire reading pipeline — turning diverse manuscripts into published books and then donating diverse titles to readers nationwide. Walter Dean Myers Grant Program The Walter Dean Myers Grant program was established to provide grants of $2,000 each to promising diverse writers and illustrators who are currently unpublished. The grants may be applied in a variety of ways, as long as it supports the recipient’s development of their craft and their pursuit of traditional publication. Since 2015, we have awarded over 70 grants, and our grant recipients have now published nearly 60 books and have won major literary awards.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must identify as diverse, as per WNDB’s definition of diversity. Applicants must be unpublished as illustrators and/or authors. This includes both trade publishing and self-publishing. If the applicant has a book deal for an as yet unpublished book, the applicant is considered published for purposes of this grant. Applicants may have published shorter pieces, such as essays, short stories, and articles. Books on submission to procure an agent, however, will be considered. Applicant must be working toward a career as a children’s author and/or illustrator. This includes but is not limited to: Picture Books, Early Reader Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade Books, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction, Poetry.Applicant must be a U.S. resident or a refugee living in the States.Note for refugee applicants: receiving a grant might affect your income limitations and any government assistance you may receive. You may want to reach out to appropriate officials, like an immigration attorney, for advice.Applicant must be at least 18 years in age.Under Executive Order 13224, all 501(c)(3) organizations must confirm that grant recipients are not affiliated with federally identified terrorist groups. To comply, we must compile any of your former legal names that have been registered with the United States government.

Ineligibility

Applicants who have books on submission to publishing houses are not eligible for the Walter Grant. Applicant cannot be applying for funding to self-publish their project.