What are Arts Council Grants?
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 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.
- Professional development, which is often set up for workshops, conferences, retreats, etc., that will help you as a writer.
- Specific project expenses, such as travel, research, supplies, etc.
- Fellowships, which are non-matching, highly competitive awards for writers based upon the quality of their previous work.
Illinois Grants for Writers
Artist Fellowship Program, based on quality of work and “evolving professional accomplishments.” This runs on a two-year cycle, with prose in the even fiscal years (deadline: Sept 1, 2007 and future odd years), and poetry in the odd fiscal years (deadline: Sept 1, 2008 and future even years).
- Fellowships: $7,000 for “exceptional talent.”
- Finalists: $700 non-matching grants for “additional applicants who demonstrate considerable talent.”
Visit the Illinois Arts Council for more information.
Indiana Grants for Writers
Individual Artist Program, to help with career development. The literature category includes fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry. Grant projects must include a public benefit; for writers, that could be workshops, school visits, readings, etc. Grants are $2000, non-matching. Deadline is February 1 each year.
Visit the Indiana Arts Commission for more information.
Ohio Grants for Writers
Individual Excellence Awards: $5,000 or $10,000 fellowships for “exceptional merit of a body of work.” Creative Writing category includes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screen- or playwriting, and literary criticism. Deadline is September 1 each year.
Artists with Disabilities Access Program: $500 maximum non-matching grant to “help artists with disabilities move to a higher level of artistic development.” Grant money can be used for a variety of needs, and applicants are urged to contact the OAC Accessibility Coordinator before applying. There is no deadline, but funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning July 1 each year.
Visit the Ohio Arts Council for more information.
Michigan Grants for Writers
Arts Grants in Michigan are limited to organizations, with no provision for individual artists. To check for updates or changes to the programs, visit the grant program page at the Michigan Council for Arts and Culture Affairs website.
Wisconsin Grants for Writers
Artist Fellowship Award: $8,000 to “recognize significant contributions of professional artists.” Two year rotation, with literature applications reviewed in even-numbered years (2008). Deadline is in September each year.
Artist and Community Collaborations: $3,000 maximum in a 1:1 matching program. Individual artists work with a community organization to use the arts within the community. For writers, the most likely area is to “create common ground; begin intimate work among small groups and then share in larger settings with others.” Deadline is October 16, 2007.
Visit the Wisconsin Arts Board for more information.
Grant information on other states will be coming soon.
Jennifer Jensen - Jennifer Jensen is an Indiana writer just returned from a lovely few years in County Cork, Ireland. She has been the Feature Writer for ...
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