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Scholarships & Grants for Writers

Writers, whether they're emerging or established, may obtain support for projects through grants or scholarships. Grants allow time and a creative environment to further develop work. According to the 2010 edition of "Foundation Giving Trends," which analyzes data from 1,490 foundations in the United States, "the percentage of grants awarded to the arts increased from 10.6 percent to in 2007 to 12.5 percent in 2008." Regardless of funding trends, awards are competitive and qualifications vary depending on the grantor.
  1. Wallace Stegner Fellowship

    • The Creative Writing Program of Stanford University sponsors annual Wallace Stegner Writing Fellowships. Wallace Stegner fellows, five poetry and five fiction writers, do workshops with senior faculty in a rigorous two-year program. The program does not require a degree, and a fellow does not receive one. Writers of diverse backgrounds and career levels and of all ages are invited to apply. A fellowship includes a living expense stipend for each year, paid tuition and health insurance. An applicant may apply either online or through the mail and must pay an application fee.

      Creative Writing Program

      450 Serra Mall

      Building 460 Room 223

      Stanford University

      Stanford, CA 94305

      creativewriting.stanford.edu

      650-725-1208

    John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Writing Fellowships

    • Guggenheim writing fellowships, which recognize literary excellence and accomplishment, offer annual applications to residents of the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the Guggenheim foundation website, the fellowships are considered mid-career awards for professional writers with demonstrated merit and distinction. Applicants may apply in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting and play writing. Grant amounts are varied and subject to the discretion of the foundation. Applications are submitted online and no entry fee is required.

      John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Writing Fellowships

      90 Park Avenue

      New York, NY 10016

      212-687-4470

      gf.org

    Emerging Voices Rosenthal Fellowship Program

    • A new writer can develop the craft with a professional workshop grant.

      Pen Center USA encourages serious writers with limited resources to develop professionalism in writing. Through its annual Emerging Voices program, beginning writers may apply in creative nonfiction, poetry and fiction. Each applicant submits writing samples, a project description and application fee. Fellowship recipients get stipends, two public readings and specialized writing workshops under the guidance of professional writers in Los Angeles.

      Pen Center USA

      Emerging Voices Fellowship

      269 South Beverly Drive #1163

      Beverly Hills, CA 90212

      424-258-1180

      penusa.org

    Fulbright Program for U.S. Students

    • Students with degrees may further writing projects overseas with foreign study scholarships.

      The Fulbright Student program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, offers scholarships for students wishing to pursue writing endeavors in foreign countries. Undergraduate degrees are required at onset of the residency. Fellowships are offered in journalism and creative writing. Creative writing applicants must send writing samples with their applications.

      IIE/Headquarters

      809 United Nations Plaza

      New York, NY 10017-3580

      212-984-5330

      fulbrightonline.org

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