Emerging and experienced fiction writers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana can receive grant funding through state arts councils.

What are Arts Council grants?

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 Grants 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.

Mississippi Grants for Writers

MiniGrants: Up to $500 grants for writers and other artists, to help with professional development or creating new work. Individual projects such as conference travel and tuition are appropriate. The Literary Arts category includes fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting. Deadlines are June 1 and November 1 each year.

Artist Fellowships: Fellowships of up to $5,000 are awarded to professional artists, based on excellence of work. Writers may apply for literature fellowships (fiction and poetry) in even- numbered years. The next deadline is March 1, 2008.

Contact the Mississippi Arts Commission for more information.

Alabama Grants for Writers

Technical Assistance Grants: $250-$1,000 grants for conferences, equipment, etc. Matching funds are not required, but “will strengthen the application.” Deadlines are June 1 and September 1 each year.

Individual Artist Fellowship: $5,000-$10,000 fellowships awarded for artistic excellence and professional commitment, based upon “merit of work, career achievement, career potential, and service to the state.” Details of how the fellowship money will be used is requested, and competition is stiff. Deadline is March 1, 2008.

For more information, visit the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Florida Grants for Writers

Artist Enhancement Grant: $500, $750, or $1,000 grants to be used for career-building opportunities such as writer’s workshops, conferences, etc. This grant is for professional artists with a body of work. Grant deadlines are quarterly, on the 12th of January, April, July and October.

Individual Artist Fellowship: $5,000 fellowships awarded in alternating years to artists with exceptional talents and abilities. Literature categories include fiction, children’s literature, and poetry. The deadline is June 1, 2008 and future even-numbered years.

For more information, contact the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.

Louisiana Grants for Writers

Artist Career Advancement Grants: Grants up to $3,000 for artists in any stage of their careers, for activities that will enhance their “creative and professional growth” and that will “substantially impact their livelihood.” No matching funds are required and the deadline is March 3, 2008.

Artist Fellowships: $5,000 fellowships, which are highly competitive and based on “recognized artistic quality.” The deadline is March 3, 2008.

Visit the Louisiana Division of the Arts for more information.

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