Top Five Writing Grants for U.S. Citizens

If your big dream is to become a writer, but you don't have the financial stability to pursue your dream, you might want to consider applying for writing grants. A writing grant is sum of money or similar award given to exceptional writers (and potential writers) by arts councils and foundations all over the world.

Some writing grants are specific to certain states or even cities, while others have different qualifications, such as previously unpublished writers or senior citizens. However, just about anyone can find a writing grant to suit their needs, and what follows is a description of the top five open to U.S. citizens.

George Bennett Fellowship

Phillips Exeter Academy
20 Main St., Exeter, NH 03833
Exeter.edu
Coordinator: Charles Pratt
Award: $10,000 + Room & Board

Since 1968, the George Bennett Fellowship has been open to U.S. writers who are currently working on a full-length manuscript and who need time to devote to their work. The prize for the George Bennett Fellowship writing grant is $10,000, plus room and board at the Phillips Exeter Academy. The winner must live at the Academy for the full academic year.

Alfred Hooper Fellowship

The Council of the Humanities
Princeton University
Princeton.edu/~humcounc/
Award: $56,000 stipend

Another fellowship, this particular writing grant is open to U.S. citizens who have published a book or are attempting to publish a book related to humanism. The Fellowship prefers applicants who work outside the circle of academia and who are in the early stages of their careers. To apply, submit your resume, a sample of your writing (fewer than 10 pages), a 2-page project proposal and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Literary Gift of Freedom

A Room for Her Own Foundation
P.O. Box 778, Placitas, NM 87043
Aroomofherownfoundation.org
Coordinator: Darlene Chandler Bassett
Award: Up to $50,000 for two years

The Literary Gift of Freedom writing grant is open to female U.S. residents who are seeking a means to make their literary contribution to the world. This particular writing grant is dispensed every two years and includes moral and professional support from a chosen staff member.

Moore Visiting Writer

George Washington University, English Department
202.994.6180
Gwu.edu
Coordinator: David McAleavey
Award: $50,000 annual stipend + reduced-rent apartment

A writing grant set up by the late Jenny McKean of George Washington University, this award goes to one writer every year. The winner teaches two writing workshops at GWU and is given the money and time to work on his or her next writing project.

The Pulliam Journalism Fellowships

The Indianapolis Star
P.O. Box 145, Indianapolis, IN 46206
IndyStar.com/pjf
Coordinator: Russel B. Pulliam
Award: $6,500 for 10-week journalism training session

If you are interested in the realm of journalistic writing, you might want to consider this writing grant offered by the Indy Star. The winner participates in a 10-week "intensive training program" geared toward improving and enhancing journalism skills.