WNDB: Walter Dean Myers Grant Program
We Need Diverse Books
Funding Amount
US $2,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Geography
- Applicant must be a U.S. resident or a refugee living in the States.
Required status
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Other requirements
- 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- Applicants must be unpublished as illustrators and/or authors.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- If the applicant has a book deal for an as yet unpublished book, the applicant is considered published for purposes of this grant.
Not eligible / not funded
- Not eligible: Applicants who have books on submission to publishing houses are not eligible for the Walter Grant.
- Not eligible: Applicant cannot be applying for funding to self-publish their project.
Overview
The Walter Dean Myers Grant Program, established by We Need Diverse Books, offers $2,000 grants to promising unpublished diverse writers and illustrators.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.
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was established to provide grants of $2,000 each to promising diverse writers and illustrators who are currently unpublished.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
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Applicants must be unpublished as illustrators and/or authors.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 If the applicant has a book deal for an as yet unpublished book, the applicant is considered published for purposes of this grant.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.
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.
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Creative writing
- Minorities
- BIPOC
- Arts
Categories
Browse similar grants by category
Related Grants
Open grants from this funder and similar programs
WNDB: Internship Grant Program
We Need Diverse Books
Amount
US $3,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
WNDB: Emergency Grants
We Need Diverse Books
Amount
US $250 - US $1,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Firecracker Awards
Council of Literary Magazines and Presses
Amount
$2,000 for book categories ($1,000 to press, $1,000 to author/translator); $1,000 for magazine categories
Deadline
Expected ~November
Based on past cycles
Alabama State Council on the Arts Literary Grant - Consolidated Project
Alabama State Council on the Arts
Amount
US $5,000 - US $20,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Moving Image Fund: Production / Post Production Grants
The LEF Foundation
Amount
US $15,000 - US $25,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Emerging Artist Award Grant
Kentucky Arts Council
Amount
US $1,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to apply for WNDB: Walter Dean Myers Grant Program?
Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.
You found WNDB: Walter Dean Myers Grant Program. Now let's win it.