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.
Grant Writing
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 on grant writing.
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.
Vermont Grants for Writers
Creation Grants: $3,000 award to create new work and increase “public understanding of the art form.” Twelve to fifteen grants are awarded each year, with a May 1 application deadline.
Artist Development Grants: generally $250-500, but can be up to $1,000. Grants are awarded for career-enhancement projects such as workshops, conferences, master classes and residencies. Funding is on a first-come, first-served basis, with the fiscal year beginning on September 1. Deadline is 60 days before the proposed event.
Contact the Vermont Arts Council for more information.
New Hampshire Grants for Writers
Artist Entrepreneurial Grants: $250-750 grants to professional artists, to be matched on a one-to-one basis. Funding is awarded quarterly with deadlines in January, April, July and October each year. The funds are to be used for artistic development and/or business and marketing skills, including writers conferences, workshops, etc.
Individual Artist Fellowships: $5,000 awarded for “artistic excellence and professional commitment.” Two fellowships may be awarded each year in the Literary Arts category, which includes fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and screenwriters/playwrights. Deadline is April 10, 2009. Draft applications may be submitted for review and comments at least two weeks before the deadline.
Contact the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts for more information.
Maine Grants for Writers
Good Idea Grants: up to $1,500 for opportunities that will “further an individual artist's creative growth.” For writers, this includes support for creating new work, or classes/workshops to deepen literary skills. Deadline is September 18, 2009.
Individual Artist Fellowship: Highly competitive grants of $13,000 for Literary Arts and other categories, to reward artistic excellence, provide career enhancement, and promote public awareness. Deadline is June 12, 2009.
For more information, visit the Maine Arts Commission website.
See Applying for State Art Grants for tips on grant writing, as well as links to grants for other states.
