Literary Arts Grants for Writers and Publishers

South Arts has launched the Literary Arts Grant under its Literary Arts Initiative to support projects that elevate the literary arts of the American South. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to writers, independent literary publishers, and small presses for projects in poetry, fiction, literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama (playwriting and screenwriting). The program funds the initiation, development, and completion of literary projects that highlight Southern traditions and voices. Eligible applicants include writers 18 years or older residing full-time in the South Arts region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, the Carolinas, and Tennessee) and independent publishers headquartered in the same region for at least 12 months. All applicants must submit through Salesforce, including samples of work or representative publications. Only one application is allowed per artist or organization per funding cycle, and capital projects are not eligible. The grants require a 2:1 matching ratio, with South Arts funding up to two-thirds of project costs. Applicants may use funds for direct project expenses such as travel, equipment rental, editorial and design services, and childcare required for project execution. Ineligible costs include general operating support, construction, capital purchases, and hospitality expenses, among others. Applications opened on October 15, 2024, and are due by December 4, 2024. Award notifications are anticipated in February 2025, with the funding cycle from March 1, 2025, to August 30, 2026. An informational webinar is scheduled and accessible on the South Arts website. For assistance with the application process, applicants may contact Joseph Crawford (jcrawford@southarts.org) or Emmitt Stevenson (estevenson@southarts.org).