Northwest State Arts Grants
Grants for Writers in Oregon, Washington Idaho
Writer's grants are available from state arts councils for fiction writers in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
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.
Idaho Grants for Writers
Quickfund$ Professional Development Grants: Up to $500 grants for writers and other artists, to help with professional development such as attending conferences and workshops. Writers must provide an equal match for the funds. Grants are awarded quarterly, with deadlines in February, May, August and November.
Quickfund$ QuickProjects: Grants up to $1,000 provide writers with time & materials to produce a new work that will be shared with the public. It could also be used for one-on-one work with a mentor. Grants require a 1:3 match (writer provides $333 for a $1,000 grant). Grants are awarded quarterly, with deadlines in February, May, August and November.
Fellowship: An anticipated $3,500 fellowship is awarded to artists of exceptional merit, with no restriction on use. The fellowship rotates between disciplines on a three year cycle, and the next literature fellowship deadline is January 2010.
Contact the Idaho Commission on the Arts for more information.
Oregon Grants for Writers
Career Opportunity Grant: A new grant of $300-$1,000 for developing artistic, business or professional skills, such as registration and travel for writer’s workshops, or studying with a mentor. Grants are awarded quarterly, with deadlines in February, May, August and November.
Individual Artist Fellowship: $3,000 fellowship which rotates between artistic disciplines on a two-year cycle. Literature fellowships for “outstanding talent, demonstrated ability and commitment to the creation of new work(s)” will be awarded for Fiscal Year 2009, with a 2008 application deadline. The specific deadline is to be determined, but the FY 2008 grants had a deadline of Oct 15, 2007.
For more information, visit the Oregon Arts Commission.
Washington Grants for Writers
The Washington State Arts Commission (WSAC) primarily provides funding for organizations, but partners with Artist Trust to provide fellowships. Artist Trust, a not-for-profit group supporting Washington artists, provides grants for individuals.
Grant for Artist Projects: up to $1,500 non-matching grants from Artist Trust for individual projects, including creating or completing new work. Grant deadline is February 22, 2008.
Fellowship: $6,500 fellowships to artists with exceptional talents and abilities. This is a merit-based award, but recipients must attend a “Meet the Artist” event in an underserved community. There is a two-year rotating cycle for different artistic disciplines. The next literature deadline is June 2009.
For more information, contact the Artist Trust.
See Applying for State Art Grants for links to grants for other states.
