Writer's grants are available from state art commissions for poets and fiction writers in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia & West Virginia.

Grants provide money for artists to work on specific projects, to further their careers, or as recognition for outstanding contributions in their fields. Artist categories range from dance to visual arts to literature; the literature area may be open to any creative writing, or divided between poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, etc., on different years.

In general, applicants must be residents of the state, must be over 18 or 21, and must not be pursuing a college degree or certificate. Read Applying for State Art Grant for tips.

Grants for writers come in several forms:

• Matching, where the organization will fund part of your project.
• Non-matching, where the amount does not require money from you or other contributors.
• Specific project expenses, such as travel, research, supplies, etc.
• Professional development, which is often set up for workshops, conferences, retreats, etc., that will help you as a writer.
• Fellowships, highly competitive awards for writers based upon the quality of their previous work. Always non-matching.

Kentucky Grants for Writers

Individual Artist Professional Development Grant: Up to $500 in grant money per project. The amount cannot be more than half the cost of the project, and matching cash is required. Writers and other artists may use the money for to increase their art skills, business skills, or for marketing. Deadlines are quarterly: the first of February, May, August and November each year.

Individual Artist Fellowship: $7,500 award for creative excellence. Highly competitive, and applicants may receive a $1,000 Professional Assistance Award instead. Deadline for writers (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, play- and screen-writing) is February 1, 2008 and future even-numbered years.

Contact the Kentucky Arts Council for more information.

Tennessee Grants for Writers

Individual Artist Fellowship: $5000 fellowships for outstanding professional writers whose writing compensation is a significant portion of the artist’s income. Deadline is January 28, 2008.

Professional Development Support: $500-1,000 grants for specific opportunities that will help artists significantly with their work. Can include workshops, conferences, mentors, and related travel expenses. Matching cash is not required, but would demonstrate “the artist’s commitment to the project.” Deadline is 30 days prior to the activity, or until funding runs out.

Contact the Tennessee Arts Commission for more information.

Virginia Grants for Writers

Artist Fellowship: $5,000 award for outstanding professional artists. Disciplines rotate each year, and are determined in May. The deadline is August 1 each year.

Writers in Virginia Directory: published fiction writers and poets (one book, 3 short stories, or 6 poems) may be listed in a directory. Listings include publications, experience, reading and workshop preferences, fees and contact information.

For more information, visit the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

West Virginia Grants for Writers

Artists Fellowship: $3,500 to “honor and support outstanding West Virginia artists.” The literary awards alternate between disciplines, with an October 1st deadline. Children’s Literature and Biography & Memoir were the 2007 disciplines. However, the program is currently being re-evaluated, and categories and deadlines may change.

Professional Development for Individual Artists: up to $2,500 for emerging and professional artists to enhance and expand their work and advance to a higher career level. A 25% match is required the first year, with a 50% match for future grants. Deadline is February 1st.

For more information, contact the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

See Applying for State Art Grants for tips on applying, as well as links to grants for other states.