Southern State Arts Grants
Writer’s Grants in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia
Emerging and experienced writers in Georgia, North Carolina & South Carolina can receive grant funding through state arts councils.
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 and for states not listed here.
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.
Georgia Grants for Writers
Georgia Arts Grants are generally geared towards non-profit organizations and not to the individual. Writers and other artists who are skilled and have classroom experience can apply to be part of the Arts Education Teaching Artist Bank. Writers who are accepted will be included in a public roster, and can be hired by schools and other organizations to teach workshops or be an “artist in residence.” Visit the Georgia Council for the Arts for more information.
South Carolina Grants for Writers
- Fellowship: Two prose and two poetry fellowships will be awarded in alternating years, for $5,000 each. The deadline is October 1, 2007, and the next one will be in 2009.
- Quarterly Project Support: Grants are available up to $1,000 on a 1:2 matching basis (writer provides one dollar, Arts Commission provides two dollars) for projects with both a career and a public impact. Deadline is the 15th of the month in February, May, August and November.
- First Novel Contest: Publication contract and $1,000 advance for a first novel (150-400 pages). The novel may have been submitted to publishers previously, but cannot be currently under consideration. $25 filing fee. Deadline is January 2, 2008.
- South Carolina Fiction Project: Contest for short stories under 2,500 words. Award is $500 and publication in The Post and Courier. Postmark deadline is January 15.
For details, read the South Carolina Arts Commission information on Grants, the First Novel Contest, or the Fiction Project.
North Carolina Grants for Writers
- Artistic Fellowship: $10,000 fellowship awarded to different disciplines in alternating years. Fiction and poetry applications will be due between September 1 and November 1, 2008 and future even-numbered years. The fellowship award may be used for writing time, supplies, or projects to enhance your professional development.
- Regional Artist Project Grants: for specific projects to enhance professional development. Amounts vary depending on the region, but $500 to $3,000 is typical. Deadlines vary according to region.
- Residency Center Grants: emerging and established writers and other artists receive time to work on their art. A two-month stay at Headlands Center for the Arts (California) includes travel, lodging, some meals and a $1,000 stipend. A one-month stay at the Vermont Studio Center includes travel, lodging and all meals. Applications are separate and deadlines are in June each year.
Writers cannot receive a fellowship and a residency center grant in the same year. For more information, visit the North Carolina Arts Council.
