Poetry Foundation Opens Emergency Grants Fund

CHICAGO, December 16, 2020 – The Poetry Foundation opens emergency grant fund applications today to support poetry and affiliated art organizations struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, as an extension of our Commitment to our Community announced in June. 

The emergency fund is open to poetry organizations and organizations that use poetry as an expression of their missions, located in the United States. This includes organizations fighting for social justice and working to advance racial equity in poetry and affiliated art. 

One-time emergency grants will be awarded in the range of $5,000–$20,000, determined by organizations’ annual budgets and requested funds. The application period closes on March 31, 2021, with two awarding dates: January 31, 2021 and March 31, 2021. 

Apply now at poetryfoundation.submittable.com.

While the Foundation is still working to define how its grantmaking can best identify and meet the needs of its stakeholders in the long-term, this fund aims to provide support for urgent needs  due to immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The application consists of the following:

• Please explain in 300 words or less how your organization is “fighting for social justice, and working to advance racial equity in poetry and affiliated art.” 
• Please explain why you need emergency funding in 300 words or less.
• Please attach your 2019 990.
• Please provide documentation of your 2021 budget.

Additional grants will be made available in 2021. Subscribe to the Foundation Updates newsletter to receive the latest information as it becomes available.

FAQs
Where do I apply?
Please submit your application through the Poetry Foundation Submittable. 

Who can apply?
The fund is open to national and Illinois-based poetry organizations and organizations that use poetry as a part of their programming in any capacity.

When will I receive notice of payment?
After the first round closes on January 31, the Foundation will be in touch mid-February. Applications submitted after January 31 will be considered for the second round of funding, and will receive a response by mid-April.

Why did the Poetry Foundation create this fund?
The Poetry Foundation created this fund to address the immediate impacts of the COVID pandemic on institutions that offer poetry to communities. Organizations working to advance racial equity in poetry will be prioritized. 

Does my organization have to have 501c3 status?
Yes. Public charities and organizations with a fiscal sponsor can apply as well. Fiscal sponsors of organizations must submit the application. No grants can be made to support lobbying.

Can local organizations in cities other than Chicago apply?
Yes

I have a question, who do I email?
Questions can be emailed to [email protected]

About the Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in American culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. The Poetry Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry through innovative literary prizes and programs.

Media Contacts:
Liz O’Connell-Thompson, Senior Media Associate, 
[email protected], 312.799.8065

Sarah Whitcher, Marketing and Media Director, 
[email protected], 312.799.8016