Grants for Black Writers (March–September 2026)
Funding Opportunities Every Black Writer Needs to Know About
Welcome to the March edition of the Rise2Write Monthly Newsletter!
Rise2Write Publishing believes Black Voices Matter! Our stories educate, inspire, and transform communities. As an Independent Publisher, I come across many talented Black and Brown Writers who can't afford the investment needed to publish their work. No matter how affordable or flexible the payment methods are, these financial barriers often prevent many aspiring Black Authors from finishing their books. If there is a will, there is a way! Fortunately, many organizations support diverse voices through funding for writing, research, residencies, and training, allowing writers to concentrate on their craft.
It's important to change how we think about who qualifies for a grant. Many writers believe grants are only for the most experienced or well-known, but that’s not true. There are many programs specifically created to support new and first-time authors. The good news is that numerous organizations offer generous grants, fellowships, scholarships, and residencies to support Black writers, since our voices are underrepresented in publishing.
In this newsletter, we're excited to share 5 Reasons Black Writers should consider applying for grants, along with direct links to 21 grants you can apply for now through September 2026!
5 Reasons Black Writers Should Apply for Grants.
1. Grants Provide Financial Support
Writing takes time. Grants allow writers to focus on their craft without financial stress.
2. Grants Strengthen Your Author Resume
Securing a grant, whether by winning or shortlisting, boosts your credibility with publishers, agents, and readers, enhancing your writing career.
3. Grants Connect You to Literary and Publishing Opportunities
Many grants offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and industry access. They also connect writers with editors, literary agents, and other industry professionals.
4. Grants Help You Finish Your Book Faster
Funding can support expenses such as editing, research, travel, or time off to write. It enables writers to take leave from work, travel for research purposes, or participate in writing residencies.
5. Grants Validate Your Work
Being selected by a literary organization can provide encouragement and motivation to keep writing. Recognition from such groups can boost your confidence and help you stay committed to finishing your manuscript.
If you're working on a novel, memoir, nonfiction book, poetry collection, or screenplay, this curated list of grants available from March to September is a helpful starting point and could assist you in securing funding to complete your manuscript.
Grants for Black Writers to Apply to: (March–September)
1. Hurston/Wright Foundation Fellowships
Website: https://www.hurstonwright.org
Eligibility:
• Black writers globally
• Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry
Deadline: Typically March–April
2. Cave Canem Poetry Fellowship
Website: https://cavecanempoets.org
Eligibility:
Black poets of African descent.
Deadline: Usually March
3. PEN America Writing Grants
Website: https://pen.org/grants
Funding:
$2,000 – $75,000 depending on the grant.
Eligibility:
• Writers in fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and translation
• U.S. writers encouraged from diverse backgrounds.
Deadline: Multiple deadlines between March and May
4. Barbara Deming Memorial Fund Grant
Website: https://demingfund.org
Funding:
$500 – $1,500
Eligibility:
• Women writers
• Projects addressing social justice themes
Deadline: March 31 annually
5. Kimbilio Fiction Fellowship
Website: https://kimbiliofiction.com
About:
Supports emerging Black fiction writers through writing residencies and mentorship.
Benefits:
• Fiction workshops
• Literary mentorship
• Industry connections
Deadline: Typically April–May
6. VONA Voices Writing Workshop Scholarships
About:
Workshops designed for writers of color across genres.
Funding:
Full and partial tuition scholarships.
Deadline: Usually April
7. Bread Loaf Environmental Writers Conference Fellowship
Website: https://www.middlebury.edu
Funding:
Conference scholarships and fellowships.
Eligibility:
Writers exploring environmental themes.
Deadline: Typically April
8. Granum Foundation Grant
Website: https://granumfoundation.org
Funding:
$5,000 – $25,000
Eligibility:
Writers working on nonfiction book projects or long-form journalism.
Deadline: Usually May
9. Elizabeth George Foundation Grant
Website: https://elizabethgeorgefoundation.org
Funding:
$10,000 – $15,000
Eligibility:
Emerging fiction writers.
Deadline: Typically May
10. Speculative Literature Foundation Diverse Writers Grant
Website: https://speculativeliterature.org
Funding:
$500 grant.
Eligibility:
Writers from underrepresented communities writing speculative fiction.
Deadline: May 31
11. Ragdale Foundation Writing Residency
Website: https://ragdale.org
Benefits:
Creative writing residency and scholarships.
Eligibility:
Writers across genres.
Deadline: Usually May
12. Baldwin for the Arts Residency
Website: https://baldwinforthearts.org
About:
Inspired by the legacy of James Baldwin, this residency supports Black writers and artists.
Funding:
Residency support and stipends.
Deadline: Typically Spring
13. The Watering Hole Fellowship
Website: https://thewateringhole.org
About:
A literary organization supporting Black poets and writers.
Benefits:
• Workshops
• Community support
• Professional development
Deadline: Varies annually.
14. Periplus Collective Mentorship Program
Website: https://www.peripluscollective.org
About:
Pairs writers of color with publishing professionals for mentorship.
Deadline: Usually late Spring / early Summer
15. Lambda Literary Writers Retreat Scholarships
Website: https://lambdaliterary.org
About:
Supports LGBTQ+ writers, including Black LGBTQ authors.
Funding:
Workshop scholarships available.
Deadline: Typically May
16. Hedgebrook Writing Residency
Website: https://hedgebrook.org
Funding:
Fully funded writing residency.
Eligibility:
Women writers, including Black women.
Deadline: Usually June
17. Creative Capital Grant
Website: https://creative-capital.org
Funding:
Up to $50,000
Eligibility:
Artists and writers working on innovative projects.
Deadline: Varies annually.
18. Poetry Foundation Grants
Website: https://poetryfoundation.org
Funding:
Varies.
Eligibility:
Poets and poetry-related projects.
Deadline: Rolling opportunities.
19. Sustainable Arts Foundation Grant
Website: https://sustainableartsfoundation.org
Funding:
$5,000 grants.
Eligibility:
Writers who are parents of children under 18.
Deadline: Usually September
20. National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship
Website: https://www.arts.gov/grants
Funding:
$25,000
Eligibility:
U.S. writers with published work.
Deadline: Rotates annually.
21. Authors League Fund Emergency Grant
Website: https://authorsleaguefund.org
Funding:
$2,000 – $10,000
Eligibility:
Published writers experiencing financial hardship.
Deadline: Rolling.
If you’ve been thinking about writing a book or applying for a grant, this is your sign to start today.
Rise2Write’s Commitment
We are committed to:
✔ Amplifying Black and Brown voices
✔ Protecting Author ownership and royalties
✔ Educating writers on the business of publishing
✔ Building legacy, not just books
Black stories are not a trend. They are a tradition, a testimony, and a torch.
Every time a Black Writer picks up a pen, they are continuing a legacy of resistance, resilience, and revelation.
Your words matter.
Your story belongs.
Your voice carries history forward.
Rise to Write. Rise to Legacy. Publishing with Purpose!
RISE2WRITE’S MARCH RELEASES 🎉:
“Say Yes to College: The Junior Year Game Plan” by Tamara Baptiste
The ultimate step-by-step workbook designed to help high school juniors and their families navigate the college admissions process with confidence before senior-year pressure hits.
Junior year is the most critical and often misunderstood phase of college preparation. This practical, easy-to-follow guide removes the overwhelm by breaking down exactly what students need to do, when to do it, and how to stay organized for a successful senior year application cycle.
Order 📍https://a.co/d/4i23TMp
RISE2WRITE’S UPCOMING RELEASES:
“SUITS & PAJAMAS: A Memoir of Grace, Grit, and Becoming” by T’Juana Albert
This book is for ambitious women who feel overlooked, underestimated, or under-credentialed, but know they are capable of more.
It’s for professionals navigating workplace politics without traditional advantages.
It’s for women who have built excellence through grit rather than privilege.
It’s for leaders who are tired of performing strength and ready to live whole.
If you’re searching for books about success without a degree, corporate burnout recovery, women in leadership, or Black women in business, SUITS & PAJAMAS offers both representation and a roadmap.
Order 📍 https://a.co/d/0dRFVYwk
👉🏾 Launch Your Book: An 8-Module Self-Paced Course with Rise2Write from Manuscript to Market
This self-paced course, Launch Your Book, guides writers like you through each step, from the initial spark of an idea to the intentional publishing and marketing of your book. You will gain access to a wide range of resources, including videos, audio files, checklists, strategies, templates, and essential guidance for confident and intentional self-publishing. The program offers unlimited access to all materials. You don’t have to be a bestselling author to begin. You just need to Start!
SAVE 10% on “Launch your Book” Course using Code: SAVE10
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or
Prefer Full-service, Streamlined Publishing:📚 CLICK HERE to Explore Rise2Write’s Publishing Services
If you’re interested in learning more about collaborating with Rise2Write to achieve your publishing aspirations, you can book a consultation using this link: calendly.com/rise2write
🌟Discover the inspiring journey of Dee Evans, our CEO and Founder of Rise2Write Publishing, as she shares her story. Learn more about her personally and professionally in this heartfelt feature in BoldJourney Magazine.
✨🔗 https://boldjourney.com/life-values-legacy-our-chat-with-dee-evans-of-florida-highlight/
Rise2Write Publishing LLC is a full-service, Black-owned indie publishing company that empowers minorities to become published authors. We offer comprehensive book publishing services that guide clients through the entire journey from inception to publication. Specializing in nonfiction, fiction, children’s books, and more, we ensure a seamless and high-quality publishing experience.
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Blessings,
Rise2Write Publishing LLC
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Thank you for sharing this information. I am going to take the next step by starting the process of writing my first book this month.
These are such great resources thank you! I’m a writer/director and my first feature film Noseeums is on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and more! Think Get Out meets Mean Girls 💕 give it a watch if that interest you and lmk thoughts!