Writer's grants are available from state art commissions for poets and fiction writers in Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.

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 an Arts 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.

Colorado Grants for Writers

Professional Development Services, Seeking the Expert: highly competitive $2,000 to $25,000 grants. The average amount is $4,000-$8,000, and all grants require matching cash. Writers and other artists may use the money for training and other professional opportunities, and public benefit / involvement is important.

Contact the Colorado Council on the Arts for more information.

Montana Grants for Writers

Opportunity Grants: up to $1,000 with 1:1 matching funds, for artists to respond to unexpected opportunities or emergencies.

Professional Development Grants: up to $750 with 1:1 matching funds, to attend conferences and workshops, or to hire an advising consultant.

Both grants have deadlines on the first of each month until funds are spent. The fiscal year begins July 1.

Contact the Montana Arts Council for more information.

Utah Grants for Writers

Emerging Artist Project Grant: A grant of $500 for artists who are “attempting to launch a professional career in the arts and [have] mastered basic techniques.”

Established Artist Project Grant: Up to $2,500 for those who have practiced their art professionally for at least five years, and have received money for their work. Writers have been published and often have agents.

These grants are awarded on rotating years, with visual arts in 2008 and literature, music and performance in 2009. The deadline is early January, with a Dun & Bradstreet number required (free, but needs time) so start the application early.

For more information, visit the Utah Arts Council.

Wyoming Grants for Writers

Creative Writing Fellowship: $3,500 to three writers each year, alternating between fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Deadline is in May.

Memorial Awards: The Neltje Blachan Memorial Award gives $1,000 to a creative writer whose work has been inspired by nature. The Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Award gives $1,000 to a woman writer of exceptional talent. The awards are for emerging writers in any genre who have published no more than one book. Deadline is in August.

Individual Artist Professional Development Grants: $500 grants with a 1:1 match, to be used to further the writer’s career, including conferences, workshops, publishing and promotion. The deadline is six weeks before the start of the project, but grants are awarded on a first-come, first served basis, and the fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30.

For more information, contact the Wyoming Arts Council.

See Applying for Writer’s Grants for tips on applying, as well as links to grants for other states.