Literary Arts Grant

As part of its Literary Arts Initiative, South Arts is excited to announce grants for literary arts projects for writers and publishers. These grants deepen our commitment to amplifying literary traditions and practices of the American South through directly funding the initiation, development, and completion of literary arts projects in poetry, fiction, creative or literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama (playwriting and screenwriting).

Literary Arts Grants will be made to writers, independent literary publishers, and small presses: 

LITERARY ARTS GRANTS FOR WRITERS

South Arts will award literary grants up to $5,000. Applicants (writers or organizations) must apply through Salesforce and include writing samples and other required attachments specified in these Guidelines.

LITERARY ARTS GRANTS FOR PUBLISHERS

South Arts will award literary arts grants up to $5,000 to support Southern independent publishers and small presses. Applicants must apply through Salesforce and include the publisher’s representative work samples and other required attachments as specified in these Guidelines. 

Important Dates:

• Applications Open: 10/15/2024
• Deadline to Apply: 12/4/2024
• Awards Announced: February 2025
• Funding Cycle: March 1, 2025 – August 30, 2026 (18 months)

The award announcement may be earlier or later than the date listed above, depending on the number of applications and judging process.

Applicants who are not selected for an award will receive notification via the email on their application form before the award announcement.  

South Arts reserves the right to not consider incomplete or improperly submitted applications without informing the applicant.  

Judges do not communicate any information or details of their review. Given the volume of applications received, South Arts cannot provide individual feedback on the application and from the panel.

Applicants who move from the South Arts Region after they submit their application are encouraged to notify South Arts and will not be eligible to receive a grant award. 

Who is eligible?

ELIGIBLE ENTITIES

• All applicants are eligible to receive only one grant award.
• Current, full-time resident or Headquartered in the South Arts Region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, The Carolinas, Tennessee) both at the time of application and at receipt of the award.

For Writers

• One application per artist or arts organization per funding cycle will be accepted.
• Applicant artists must be 18 years of age or older.
• Applicant artists must not be enrolled in a literary arts/writing academic program at time of application and at receipt of award.
• Current, full-time residents for at least the prior 12 months s of the South Arts region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, The Carolinas, Tennessee) both at the time of application during the project period.
• Works authored by more than one person are ineligible.

For Literary Arts Organizations

• For Publishers: Independent nonprofit publishers and small presses including journals.
• Based in the South Arts Region for at least the prior 12 months (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, The Carolinas, Tennessee) both at the time of application and during the project period.
• Other non-profit organizations with a literary arts mission.

INELIGIBLE ENTITIES

• Units of government
• Colleges/Universities are ineligible to apply for this grant.

UNALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES

• General operating support. 
• Support for a full season of programming. 
• Courses or coursework in degree-granting or continuing education institutions. 
• Literary publishing that does not focus on contemporary literature and/or writers. 
• Publication of books, exhibition of works, or other projects by the applicant organization's board members, faculty, or trustees. 
• Projects for which no curatorial, juried, or editorial judgment has been applied to the selection of artists or art works. 
• Social activities such as receptions, parties, galas, community dinners, picnics, and potlucks. 
• Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable; generally, this includes activities at venues such as bars, wineries, and breweries where the consumption of alcohol/social activity is the primary purpose of the venue. 
• Awards to individuals or organizations to honor or recognize achievement. 
• Commercial (for-profit) enterprises or activities, including arts markets, concessions, food, t-shirts, artwork, or other items for resale. This includes online or virtual sales/shops. 
• Construction, purchase, or renovation of facilities.
• Sub-granting or regranting.

UNALLOWABLE COSTS

• Cash reserves and endowments. 
• Startup costs or other costs associated with establishing new organizations. 
• Alcoholic beverages or other hospitality costs. 
• Purchase and/or use of gift cards and gift certificates to support project costs.
• Gifts and prizes, including cash prizes as well as other items with monetary value (e.g., electronic devices, gift certificates).
• Contributions and donations to other entities, including donation drives.
• General miscellaneous or contingency costs. 
• Fines and penalties, bad debt costs, deficit reduction.  
• Marketing expenses that are not directly related to the project.  
• Audit costs. 
• Rental costs for home office workspace owned by individuals or entities affiliated with the applicant.
• The purchase of vehicles.
• Costs incurred before the beginning or after the completion of the official project period. 

MATCHING REQUIREMENTS

All grants require a 2:1 cost share. South Arts matches $2 for every $1 the applicant contributes towards project costs.

Grants will pay up to 2/3 of the total cost of the opportunity, with a maximum award of $5,000. The applicant must cover remaining expenses, and South Arts requires a 2:1 match (2 South Arts: 1 grantee). Artists may include their own cash in the match. Examples:  

1. Total Project Cost- $6,000, the applicant can request up to $4,000 and contribute the remaining $2,000 of funds through a combination of their own cash and other contributions. 
2. Total Project Costs are $15,000:  The applicant can request up to $5,000 and contribute the remaining $10,000 of funds through a combination of their own cash and other contributions.
3. Toal Project Costs are $3,000:  The applicant can request up to $2,000 and contribute the remaining $1,000 of funds through a combination of their own cash and other contributions. 

Budget details should identify the source of funds (including self-funding, private contributions, institutional stipends, or additional grant funding) not requested from South Arts.

Total projected expenses must meet or exceed the request by 50%. 

Funds can be used for these eligible expenses directly related to participation in proposed activities:

• For Organizations:  Itemize project personnel costs 
• Travel (itemize air, ground, lodging, per diem, visa services) 
• Equipment rental (itemize all equipment rental expenses) 
• Office expenses (itemize supplies, and shipping/postage) 
• Services/professional fees (itemize editorial, graphic design, photography/videography, financial, publishing, production, and distribution services, etc.) 
• Marketing 
• Facility expenses (itemize rent, space rental, utilities) 
• Insurance 
• Childcare or elder caregiver service costs that arise as a result of applicant planning and executing the proposed project 

TYPES OF PROJECTS SUPPORTED

Literary Grants support projects across several categories: Creative Literary Work Creation and Publishing, Community Engagement, and Professional Development.

CREATIVE LITERARY WORK CREATION AND PUBLISHING 

(Writers and Literary Arts Organizations-Small Literary Presses/Publishers-grants up to $5,000)

For writers and independent publishers and presses who seek support for projects that engage contemporary writers who live and create in the South Arts region in the development and publishing of creative works across literary genres including poetry, fiction, drama, playwriting, and creative nonfiction. Content may be published in print, digitally, and/or in audio formats, and should be in English.

Projects that are eligible for support include,

• CREATION PROJECTS (writers only- new works and in-progress writing projects)
• RESEARCH PROJECTS (writers only)
• LITERARY PUBLISHING PROJECTS (organizations only)

Proposals may incorporate one or more of the following:

• Use of technology to enhance delivery to audiences and strengthen community connectedness.
• Innovation and advancement opportunities in the creative literary arts, including cross-sector collaborations and non-traditional approaches to the development of literary content.

Competitive proposals should address review criteria and include:

• Clear activities that are reflected in both the narrative and budget and align with the applicant's mission or artistic vision.
• Clear understanding of the intended audience(s) and how the project serves audience needs.
• Articulation of how the project models best practices for the field
• Descriptions of specific books that are in development or to be created, journal issues and/or literary content that the project will publish and/or promote.
• Articulation of a unique artistic vision and place within the literary arts.
• Clearly stated marketing and/or promotion efforts that are reflected in the budget.
• Required work samples.
• Organizations should discuss the following items
• Compensation to writers and individuals who work to conduct the project.
• Distributor information for print publications.
• Consideration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in relation to the project and within your organization.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

(Writers and Literary Arts Organizations-grants up to $5,000)

For writers and literary arts organizations who seek support for projects that engage the public with contemporary writers and creative literary works. Projects may have a local or regional focus where eligible projects include but are not limited to,

• Reading Series
• Festivals
• Podcasts

Proposals may include but are not limited to:

• Collaborations within and across sectors to share knowledge, tools, and resources.
• Efforts to address challenges in the literary arts with an eye towards a just and sustainable future for the field.
• Incorporation of technology to enhance project reach and connectedness.
• Projects incorporating literary arts as components of art therapy that are used to advance the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Competitive proposals should address review criteria and include:

• Clear activities that are reflected in both the narrative and budget and align with the applicant's mission or artistic vision.
• Clear understanding of the intended audience(s) and how the project serves audience needs.
• Articulation of how activities will significantly impact the community and model best practices for the field.
• For Organizations
• Compensation to writers and individuals who work to conduct the project.
• Consideration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in relation to the project and within your organization.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

(Writers only - grants up to $1,000 for travel and conferences/workshops; up to $2,000 for residencies/retreats)

This project type and deadline is for writers and emphasizes professional development opportunities that serve to enhance a writer's career. Proposed projects may be local, national or international opportunities where eligible projects include,

• Writer Retreats or residencies
• Travel for writers to take advantage of a career enhancing opportunities that is not related to conference attendance
• Writer's conferences or workshops that allow writers to enhance skills and grow a peer network

Proposals may include but are not limited to:

• Conferences, residencies, workshops, and other professional development activities for creative writers.
• Collaborations within and across sectors to share knowledge, tools, and resources.
• Efforts to address challenges in the literary arts with an eye towards a just and sustainable future for the field.
• Incorporation of technology to enhance project reach and connectedness

Competitive proposals should address review criteria and include:

• Clear activities that are reflected in both the narrative and budget and align with the applicant's artistic vision.
• Articulation of impact on writing practice and intended artistic career progression.
• Well-defined goals and evaluative methods in assessing goals.

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS FOR THE APPLICATION

WRITING/WORK SAMPLES

The required format for the writing sample is PDF format.

The writing samples, video or audio samples associated with the proposed project or activity are required for all applications for South Arts' Literary Arts Grants. The work samples are outlined:

POETRY
Not more than 15 typed pages of poetry, no more than one poem per page, or one narrative poem or its selected text not to exceed 15 pages in length.

FICTION, CREATIVE NONFICTION, YOUNG READERS' LITERATURE
Not more than 25 single sided typed, double-spaced pages (12-point font) of prose.

DRAMA
Not more than 25 pages of script format drama. Scripts written for television and movies can be included in drama.

• One synopsis page is allowed but not required. Include it as the first page of your work sample. It is counted in the total pages allowed. If the work sample consists of multiple excerpts, use the synopsis page to give information for each. The synopsis page can also indicate whether the selections are from a larger series, additional description, or details about where the piece fits within a larger body of work.
• Work created from as early as January 2019, and for which you have sole artistic responsibility. You may submit published work, unpublished work, or work in progress. Do not indicate whether the material has been published.
• Labeled to indicate title and genre of the sample. In the header of every page, include the title and of the writing sample and the page number in the upper right corner.
• Submit your writing sample in typewritten, manuscript form: 12-point standard font, double-spaced and margins of at least one inch at the top, bottom, and sides of all pages. 
• Only submit up to the maximum number of pages allowed; excess pages will be removed and not reviewed.
• Save and submit your writing sample as a PDF file.
• Ineligible Work Samples
• Works Created while the applicant was a student.
• Collaborative works
• Audio presented as links to sites like Audio.com, YouTube, etc.
• Video via links to sites like Vimeo, YouTube, etc.

ARTIST STATEMENT (Writers Only)

Use your artist statement as an introduction to your work, your practice and the uniqueness of your practice and you as a writer. The statement may include information about your development, your influences, and inspirations along with other details.

The Artist Statement is limited to not more than 1,250 characters

IMPACT STATEMENT (Writers Only)

The Impact statement should explain how the funding will influence your work as a writer and artistic practice.

The Impact Statement is limited to not more than 1,250 characters 

ORGANIZATION MISSION STATEMENT (Literary Arts Organizations Only)

The mission statement should provide include information that addresses the following

• The organization's mission and goals. Indicate short- and long-term goals as outlined in the organization's strategic plan.
• How the proposed programs fit within the organization's mission and history of artistic accomplishments.
• The qualifications of managerial staff and their role in achieving stability for the organization. Indicate how staff or volunteers in artistic leadership positions have demonstrated expertise in the literary arts.
• The role of the board in setting policy, planning, fiscal controls, raising funds and promoting organizational activities.

The Mission Statement is limited to not more than 2,000 characters

NARRATIVE QUESTIONS 

Proposed Project and Planning Process (response limited to maximum of 1,500 characters)

Tell us about the proposed literary project you or your organization will engage during the contract period March 1, 2025 - August 30, 2026: as appropriate, provide dates (month/year), titles, nature of the project, artists to be featured, venues or location of presentations, etc. Responses can

• Describe the educational efforts that will accompany the proposed project.
• Indicate how the project demonstrates artistic merit. Tell us about the expertise and artistic/professional qualifications of the artists including writers to be engaged.
• Tell us about the project planning process and the strategy developed for project execution.
• Describe those involved in and the criteria used for artist selection process.

Marketing and Evaluation (response limited to maximum of 1,500 characters)

Where applicable, tell us about the marketing and promotion plans for the project.

• Describe evaluation and assessment plans for the project. Indicate the desired outcomes of the project and evaluation methods that will be used to measure actual outcomes.
• Describe the target audience for the project.
• What efforts will be in place to ensure equity and inclusion for artist and audience engagement.

Service to the Community and Literary Arts Field (response limited to maximum of 1,500 characters)

Where applicable, describe the impact of the proposed project on the community and the literary arts field. Talk about the availability of or lack of similar artistic projects or programs in the service area or the South Arts region.

• Describe the plan to ensure physical and programmatic access to the public and artists and audiences living with disabilities.
• Provide information about program fees and artist compensation. Do you have a plan to provide access through free or reduced fees?

SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of national panelists. The panelists will use the writing sample(s) and the statements (artist and impact) as the basis of their selection criteria for the awards. The work sample and required attachments will be used to evaluate applications against program criteria:

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE (45%)

The applicant demonstrates,

• Artistic quality as evidenced by submitted work samples.
• High quality proposed project, the quality of the engaged artistic partners and the relevance to audiences and/or communities the project will service.
• The potential of the applicant and engaged artistic partners as evidenced by CV or resume and support materials.
• The ambition, originality and competency demonstrated in the application.
• Demonstration of innovation, experimentation, and collaboration.

ARTISTIC MERIT (40%)

Artistic merit considers the extent to which the applicant demonstrates capacity to deliver the proposed project:

• Presentation of a realistic proposed budget
• Sources of income
• Access to resources
• Proposed project timeline
• Track record of engaged project partners
• Demonstrated equity (compensation and work environment) for those engaged.
• Commitment of identified project partners.
• Engagement with individuals whose opportunities to participate in the arts are limited by geography, race/ethnicity, economic access, or disability.
• For Organizations: Appropriateness, and alignment of the project to the mission, field, artists, audiences, community, and constituency.
• For Writers: Appropriateness, and alignment of the project to your writing practice and your community and audience.

IMPACT (15%)

Demonstration of how the award

• Helps achieve the goals and objectives of the proposed project
• Strengthens the work of writers and their writing practice or the work of literary arts organizations and their ability to deliver literary arts to regional and national audiences.

REPORTING

By the end of the funding cycle, Literary Arts grant awardees must submit a brief, written report regarding the use of funds and the status of supported activities.

Awardees are required to acknowledge South Arts in any publications that awarded funds were used to support, and to provide a copy for South Arts' permanent collection.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

For questions about the application process, email Joseph Crawford (jcrawford@southarts.org) and Emmitt Stevenson (estevenson@southarts.org).

South Arts will also offer an informational webinar that will be available on our website soon.

FAQs

When will applications be available to apply?

Applications will open on October 15, 2024, and Close on December 2, 2024.

When is the funding cycle? When do grant funded activities need to take place? 

The 18-month funding cycle begins March 1, 2025, and concludes August 30, 2026. All activities and expenditures should take place within the funding cycle. 

Who may apply for this grant? What projects are eligible? 

Writers who are residents of and Literary Arts organizations that are based in the South Arts region may apply.

Units of government and colleges/universities are not eligible to apply.

Writers are eligible to apply across 3 project areas:  

1. Creative Literary Work Creation and Publishing (up to $5,000)
2. Community Engagement (up to $5,000)
3. Professional Development (up to $2,000)

Literary Arts Organizations are eligible to apply across 2 project areas:  

1. Creative Literary Work Creation and Publishing (up to $5,000)
2. Community Engagement (up to $5,000) 

Please provide more information on the project areas. 

There are three project areas outlined above provide funding as follows:

1. Creative Literary Work Creation and Publishing projects are targeted to writers and independent publishers/presses who seek support for projects that engage contemporary writers who live and create in the South Arts region in the development and publishing of creative works across literary genres including poetry, fiction, drama, playwriting, and creative nonfiction.
   
   Writers and Nonprofit Independent Publishers/Presses are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in support.
    
2. Community Engagement projects are targeted to writers and literary arts organizations who seek support for projects that engage the public with contemporary writers and creative literary works. Projects may have a local or regional focus where eligible projects include but are not limited to reading.
   
   Writers and Nonprofit Independent Publishers/Presses are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in support.
    
3. Professional development opportunities are targeted to writers and emphasizes professional development opportunities that serve to enhance a writer’s career. Proposed projects may be local, national or international opportunities where eligible projects include:
   - Writer Retreats or residencies
   - Travel for writers to take advantage of a career enhancing opportunities that is not related to conference attendance
   - Writer’s conferences or workshops that allow writers to enhance skills and grow a peer network
   
   Writers are eligible to apply for up to $2,000 in support.

When will award notifications be sent? 

Award notifications are expected to be made in February 2025.

What if I have more questions? 

Please schedule technical assistance with Joseph Crawford.