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Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

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Writing Contests, Grants & Awards

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The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Friends of American Writers

Literature awards.

A prize of $2,500 is given annually for a book of fiction or creative nonfiction published during the current year that is set in the Midwest or by a writer who is a resident...

Story Foundation Prize

A prize of $1,500 and publication in Story is given annually for a short story. Using only the online submission system, submit a story of up to 10,000 words with a $...

Narratively

Memoir prize.

A prize of $3,000 and publication in Narratively will be given annually for a short work of memoir written in the first person. Two runners-up prizes of $1,000 each...

Center for Book Arts

Poetry chapbook contest.

A prize of $500 and letterpress publication by the Center for Book Arts is given annually for a poetry chapbook. The winner also receives 10 copies of their chapbook, an...

Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry

Griffin poetry prize.

A prize of $130,000 Canadian (approximately $95,542) is given annually for a poetry collection published during the current year and written in, or translated into, English....

Canadian First Book Prize

A prize of $10,000 Canadian (approximately $7,349) is awarded for a debut poetry collection by a living Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada published during the...

Codhill Press

Pauline uchmanowicz poetry award.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Codhill Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. James Sherwood will judge. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 70...

Virginia Commonwealth University

Cabell first novelist award.

A prize of $5,000 is given annually for a debut novel published during the current year. The winner is also provided money for the cost of travel and lodging to attend the...

Award for Short Fiction

A prize of $1,000, publication by Press 53, and 53 author copies is given annually for a story collection. Claire V. Foxx will judge. Submit a manuscript of 100 to 250 pages...

Before Columbus Foundation

American book awards.

Awards are given annually for books published in the United States during the current year to recognize “outstanding literary achievement from the entire spectrum of America’s...

Lascaux Review

Lascaux prize in short fiction.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Lascaux Review is given annually for a short story. Previously published and unpublished stories are eligible. The editors will...

Virginia Woolf Award for Short Fiction

A prize of $2,500 and publication in LitMag is given annually for a short story. The winner will also have their work reviewed by agents Lisa Bankoff (Bankoff...

Tampa Review

Danahy fiction prize.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Tampa Review is given annually for a short story. Using only the online submission system, submit a story of 500 to 5,000 words...

Black Caucus of the American Library Association

Literary awards.

Four prizes of $1,000 each are given annually for a poetry collection, a debut novel, a book of fiction, and a book of nonfiction (including creative nonfiction) by African...

Action, Spectacle

Prose & poetry chapbook contest.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Action, Spectacle, and 25 author copies will be given annually for a chapbook of poetry, prose, or hybrid-genre work. Using only the online...

American Library Association

W.y. boyd literary award.

A prize of $5,000 is given annually for a novel published in the current year that is set in a period when the United States was at war. Publishers or authors may submit seven...

Michigan Quarterly Review

Jesmyn ward prize in fiction.

A prize of $2,000 and publication in Michigan Quarterly Review is given annually for a short story. Ghassan Zeineddine will judge. Using only the online submission...

Poetry Society of America

Alice fay di castagnola award.

A prize of $1,000 and publication on the Poetry Society of America website is given annually for poetry from a manuscript-in-progress. Using only the online submission system,...

Four Quartets Prize

A prize of $20,000 is given annually for a unified and complete sequence of poems published in the United States in a print or online journal, a chapbook, or a book during the...

Two Sylvias Press

Wilder series poetry book prize.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Two Sylvias Press, and 20 author copies will be given annually for a poetry collection by a writer over 50 who identifies as female (including...

Alternating Current Press

Front range book prize.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Alternating Current Press, and 25 author copies will be given annually for a poetry collection, story collection, essay collection, novel,...

Burnside Review Press

Book contest.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Burnside Review Press, and 10 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. Ananda Lima will judge. Using only the online...

Robert H. Winner Memorial Award

A prize of $2,500 and publication on the Poetry Society of America website is given annually to a poet over 40 who has published no more than one poetry collection. Using only...

Laurence Goldstein Prize in Poetry

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Michigan Quarterly Review is given annually for a single poem. Cyrus Cassells will judge. Using only the online submission system...

Tupelo Press

Dorset prize.

A prize of $3,000, publication by Tupelo Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. The winner also receives a two-week residency at Gentle House in...

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CREATIVE WRITING FELLOWSHIPS

New guidelines are anticipated in mid-december 2024..

The National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowships program offers $25,000 grants in  prose  (fiction and creative nonfiction) and  poetry  to published creative writers that enable the recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement. 

This program operates on a two-year cycle with fellowships in prose and poetry available in alternating years. In 2024 we will be accepting applications in poetry.  

Learn  more about past recipients of our literature fellowships  in the Literary Arts Impact section. 

If you have questions about your application, please contact the Literary Arts staff at 202-682-5034 or email  [email protected]

Stay Connected to the National Endowment for the Arts

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Best Writing Scholarships in 2024

Showing 133 scholarships that match your search.

Unigo $10k Scholarship

The Unigo $10K Scholarship aims to help improve your education by offering a $10,000 prize to use towards school. "Would you rather be smart, funny or rich? Why?" In 250 words or less, submit an online written response to the question. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older and reside in the United States.

Categories: Short Fiction

Organization: Unigo

Deadline: December 31, 2024

Recipients: 1

Top award: $10,000

Apply now →

Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship Award

In an effort to get students committed to the cause of deleting cyberbullying, we are offering the Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship Award for high school, college and graduate student — a $1,000 scholarship to help cover educational expenses. To apply, write a short essay answering one of the following questions: "Why is it important to work to delete cyberbullying?" or "How has cyberbullying personally affected you?"

Categories: Personal Essay

Organization: Delete Cyberbullying

Top award: $1,000

WCF Scholarship for Student Research

The Willa Cather Foundation supports emerging scholars who increase our understanding and appreciation of the life and work of Willa Cather. As a part of this effort, we have designated three $400 annual scholarships to support upper-level students presenting original Cather research at non-Cather specific conferences. Applicants should submit their application at least four weeks prior to the conference.

Categories: Research

Organization: Willa Cather Foundation

Deadline: January 01, 2025

Recipients: 3

Top award: $400

Islamic Scholarship Fund Program

Students who are Muslim or active members of the Muslim community may apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund. The ISF awards multiple scholarships each year ranging from $3,000-$10,000, though the amounts and number of recipients will vary. Students must submit applications including essay questions, work samples, and letters of recommendation, and must also be majoring in an ISF-supported field related to media or politics.

Organization: Islamic Scholarship Fund

Additional awards: Multiple awards of varying amounts will be given

Recipients: 10

The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program

The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program aims to help create a diverse pipeline of college-educated professionals poised to assume fulfilling off-camera careers in entertainment, and to help increase the number of underrepresented minorities employed in the entertainment industry. Please note applications submitted for this program will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Organization: UNCF

Recipients: 100

Top award: $2,500

Unigo College Review Scholarship

Love your college? Hate it? Meh? Tell other students about your experience so they can make better decisions about college. You must currently attend (or have previously attended) the college that you review to be eligible.

Recipients: 5

Ursinus College Creative Writing Award

The Ursinus College Creative Writing Award is a $40,000 per year major scholarship for creative writers of outstanding originality and potential. The award winner will have the honor of living in the dorm room once occupied by J.D. Salinger, who attended Ursinus. In the spirit of Holden Caulfield and Catcher in the Rye, we are looking for an unusual perspective, for quirky brilliance, for a voice. Candidates must achieve admission to Ursinus.

Categories: Critical Essay, Nonfiction, Novel Writing, Personal Essay, Playwriting, Poetry, and Short Fiction

Organization: Ursinus College

Deadline: January 03, 2025

Top award: $40,000

Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship

The Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship offers its awardees a $10,000 scholarship to put toward their education, an internship at Wunderman Thompson, and other mentorship and post-graduate opportunities. Any female undergraduate or postgraduate student with at least a year left of their studies is eligible. Applicants must submit personal statement, letters of recommendation, and 3-5 creative samples.

Categories: Personal Essay, Portfolio, Novel Writing, Poetry, and Short Fiction

Organization: Wunderman Thompson

Deadline: January 05, 2025

Additional awards: Intership placement at Wunderman Thompson

Pride Foundation Scholarships

The Pride Foundation provides essential financial resources and community support to inspirational LGBTQ+ and allied student leaders across the Northwest. Applicants must be from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington to be eligible. Applications open in October of each year and all 60+ scholarships may be applied for through the same application form.

Organization: Pride Foundation

RTDNA Scholarships

Since 1970, RTDNF has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and fellowships to more than 500 young journalists. Scholarships are open to college students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. To apply, students must complete an online form for each scholarship including their cover letter, resume, and 3-5 work samples.

Categories: Journalism

Organization: Radio Television Digital News Foundation

Deadline: January 11, 2025

Additional awards: Multiple awards of $1,000-$6,000 will be given

Mary Quon Moy Ing Memorial Scholarship

The Mary Quon Moy Ing Memorial Scholarship will award up to $2,000 to a graduating high school senior who will be attending a college or university to pursue a journalism career. A winner will be selected based on academic and journalistic achievement, financial need, commitment to journalism and/or sensitivity to AAPI issues. Applicants must submit a resume, brief personal statements, and optional work samples.

Categories: Journalism and Personal Essay

Organization: Asian American Journalists Association

Deadline: January 16, 2025

Top award: $2,000

CIC/Anna Chennault Scholarship

The Anna Chennault Scholarship awards $5,000 to an Asian American graduate student pursuing journalism as a career. Candidates will be judged on academic and journalistic achievement, commitment to the field of journalism and sensitivity to AAPI issues. Applicants must produce a piece of concise and comprehensive journalism that provides unique context on a current geopolitical issue based on a prompt provided by CIC or AAJA.

Top award: $5,000

Josephine de Karman Fellowship

The Josephine De Karman Fellowship Trust was established in 1954 by the late Dr. Theodore Von Karman in memory of his sister, Josephine. DeKarman fellowships are open to PhD students in any discipline, including international students, who are currently enrolled in a university located within the United States.

Organization: Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust

Deadline: January 31, 2025

Recipients: 8

Top award: $25,000

Norma Ross Walter Scholarship

The purpose of the Norma Ross Walter Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to female graduates of Nebraska high schools who plan to enroll as English majors in accredited colleges or universities. Applicants must be female high school seniors who are prospective first year college students and plan to continue their education as English majors.

Categories: Critical Essay

Additional awards: $2,500 for second place, $2,000 for third place

Top award: $3,000

I Have a Dream Scholarship

We want to know…what do you dream about? Whether it's some bizarre dream you had last week, or your hopes for the future, share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college. Response should be limited to 250 words or less.

Top award: $1,500

What are writing scholarships?

Writing scholarships are financial awards given to students based primarily on written work, though other factors are usually taken into consideration as well. Most writing scholarships involve a prompt or series of prompts to which applicants must respond. Some writing scholarships — especially those that award large amounts of money — require applicants to submit past writing samples, or even a full portfolio.

The good news is that, with so many writing scholarships to choose from, you don’t have to apply for any that are “out of your league.” Indeed, though most students have heard of writing scholarships, you may not realize just how many different varieties there are! Here are five of the most common types of writing scholarships, all of which you can find in this directory.

1. Personal essay scholarships

Personal essay scholarships involve writing on a topic related to your own experience. You’ll often see personal essay prompts like, “How have your experiences influenced your choice of major?” and “What are your career aspirations and how do you plan to achieve them?” Other prompts may ask you to write about a role model, a life-changing event, an aspect of your identity, etc. Suggested length is usually about 500-1,000 words, but varies depending on the level of detail requested and how many essay questions are provided.

Just about every scholarship these days has a personal essay component of some kind. This is because personal essay responses both demonstrate writing skills and give the judges a clear sense of each applicant’s goals. No one wants to throw away money on an aimless student — so if you’re applying for a personal essay scholarship, make sure to convey both your writing abilities and your ambitions in your work!

2. Critical essay scholarships

Critical essay scholarships are more in line with what students might consider  “academic” essays. The prompts typically ask applicants to analyze works of literature. However, unlike open-ended English class essays, most critical essay scholarships provide a very specific prompt (e.g. “Examine The Great Gatsby in the context of its World War II-era revival”).

Critical essay scholarships can also involve non-literary subject matter. Some may ask applicants to evaluate a historical event or figure; others may ask them to defend their stance on a political or legal issue. Though the line between critical and personal essays can sometimes blur, for the purposes of this directory, we define critical essays as those that use evidence from an external source to prove a point.

3. Short fiction scholarships

Short fiction scholarships include scholarships for short stories, one-act plays, poetry, and any other form of fiction that isn’t a novel or full-length script. Short fiction scholarships tend to be easier to find than long-form fiction scholarships, since most judging panels don’t have time to read more than a few thousand words per entry. Therefore, if you write fiction and you’re hoping to nab yourself a scholarship, this category is the way to go! (That said, if you’re a hardline novelist, some places will accept a sample chapter or two as short fiction entries.)

4. Journalism scholarships

Journalism scholarships are for students interested in pursuing a career in news, magazine, and/or online journalism. These scholarship applications almost always ask for writing samples to show the candidate’s interest. Depending on the organization, they may prefer topical news reports, informative articles, thinkpieces, or a mix. Some journalism scholarships provide a prompt and ask applicants to write a new article, but the focus is usually on samples. Speaking of which…

5. Portfolio scholarships 

Portfolio scholarships are the most rigorous kind of writing scholarship, requiring a substantial body of work from each applicant — usually 5-10 pieces of writing, if not more. The upside is that awards for portfolio scholarships tend to be pretty sizable, and may even cover your entire tuition!

If you decide to apply to a portfolio scholarship, make sure you have several strong pieces of work in your oeuvre, and consider writing a few new pieces as well. What you shouldn’t do is rush through a dozen new pieces to throw together as a portfolio. If you don’t have samples at the ready from previous assignments or projects, you’ll be better off applying to a less intensive writing scholarship.

Why apply to writing scholarships?

Applying to writing scholarships is a huge undertaking, especially if you’re pursuing multiple scholarships at once. It can sometimes feel like the effort isn’t worth it, or that you have little chance of actually winning any awards. But in truth, submitting to writing scholarships is one of the best investments you can make in your education, your creative writing skills, and your professional life.

Scholarships for larger amounts do attract more applicants, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to land — only that you have to work a little harder to stand out. And you can definitely sway the odds in your favor by applying to lots of small scholarships ($500 or less) for which you’ll have fewer competitors. Remember that every little bit helps! For example, if you plan on taking out student loans, even a $500 scholarship could save you much more in interest down the line.

Another compelling reason to apply to writing scholarships is that oftentimes, you’ve already done the work, or the work required is minimal. For scholarships that require writing samples, you’ll simply submit what you’ve already written in the past — and even for scholarships with specific prompts, you rarely have to write more than a couple of pages. If you were seriously committed, you could apply to a scholarship every day, spending a single concentrated evening on each application.

Jumping off that thought, as English majors love to say: the more writing scholarships you apply for, the better a writer you’ll become. Writing tons of scholarship essays will make you a much more creative and efficient writer. Not only will this help with your personal writing projects, but it will also be invaluable to your education and even your career! Writing is a crucial skill for every major — you’ll always have to write papers and emails to professors, after all — and even if you don’t plan to pursue a writing-based job, you'll still need writing skills to polish your résumé.

Finally, remember that there’s a writing scholarship out there for everyone, no matter what your interests or intended field. This directory includes plenty of creative writing scholarships, yes; but there are also personal essay scholarships for future doctors, lawyers, salespeople, and so much more. You have nothing to lose by giving it a shot, so why not start searching for your dream writing scholarship today? (And if you’re unsure about your writing skills, you might benefit from some of the resources below.)

Resources to strengthen your writing skills

• 20 Writing Tips to Help You Become A Better Writer Today. Click here to view
• How to Stop Procrastinating and Build A Solid Writing Routine. Click here to enroll
• What is Creative Nonfiction? Memoirs, Literary Journalism, and More! Check it out
• How to Write a Memoir: Tell Your Amazing Story in 9 Steps. Read more
• How to Write a Fantastic Short Story In 7 Steps. Find out more
• How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript Like a Pro. Enroll here
• 700+ Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire You. Click here to view
• 100+ Creative Writing Exercises for Authors. Learn more

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20 Great Scholarships for Creative Writing Degrees

• Published August 4, 2016
• Last Updated October 5, 2023

Bookworms wishing to turn their love of reading into a gratifying career can greatly benefit from scholarships for creative writing degrees.

Whether at the bachelor’s or master’s level, creative writing majors teach students how to successfully construct prose and poetry.

Creative writing students spend considerable time examining literary works and unleashing their own imagination onto paper. Creative writing graduates excel as published authors across diverse genres from children’s literature to science fiction.

• 10 Best Deals on Online MFA in Creative Writing Degrees

Gained skills can also be applied in:

• journalism, and more

According to the BLS, writers and authors bring home an average yearly salary of $69,130. Competition is strong though, so put your best manuscript forward by earning a creative writing degree.

The following 20 creative writing scholarships will allow you to study the intricacies of language.

1. Bobette Bibo Gugliotta Scholarship

Deadline: February 24th

The Bobette Bibo Gugliotta Scholarship honors the late author who penned several books, including Pigboat 39 and Mysterious Mesa. The fund awards $1,000 annually from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Eligible graduating seniors must:

• reside in California’s San Mateo or Santa Clara counties
• be accepted at an accredited four-year college
• have a passion for creative writing
• submit two writing samples

U.S. citizens, legal residents, and AB 540 students may apply.

Bobette Bibo Gugliotta Scholarship 1300 South El Camino Real Suite 100 San Mateo, CA 94402 (650) 450-5487 [email protected] Scholarship Link

2. Brady and Patrick Gallagher Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

The Brady and Patrick Gallagher Scholarship is sponsored by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. It grants up to $3,000 yearly to graduating high school seniors. They must exhibit sincere interest in the arts, such as:

• creative writing

Qualified applicants must:

• attend Kalamazoo Public Schools
• be enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college
• actively participate in artistic activities
• have unmet financial need.

Brady and Patrick Gallagher Scholarship 402 East Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (269) 381-4416 [email protected] Scholarship Link

3. Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. offers the Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship. It annually awards $1,000 to African American women who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in:

• public policy
• related fields

To apply, candidates must:

• be sophomores or juniors
• have U.S. citizenship
• attend an accredited four-year university
• have a cumulative 3.0 GPA
• write a 1,000-word essay about their career plans.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship 1806 New Hampshire Avenue NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 462-4206 [email protected] Scholarship Link

4. Florence Kahn Memorial Award

Deadline: January 15th

The National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) hosts an annual college poetry competition to award scholarships for creative writing degrees. These include the $500 Florence Kahn Memorial Award. Eligible participants must be enrolled full-time in four-year, accredited U.S. universities. They must submit 10 original, unpublished poems no more than 80 lines each. Selected scholars will also receive:

• a chapbook of their poetry
• travel stipend for the NFSPS Convention
• free one-year membership.

Florence Kahn Memorial Award P.O. Box 1352 Los Lunas, NM 87031 (505) 235-6680 [email protected] Scholarship Link

5. From Failure to Promise Essay Contest

Deadline: July 31st

Annually, Dr. C. Moorer & Associates holds the From Failure to Promise Essay Contest. It awards $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors or college students attending accredited institutions in the United States or Canada. They must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Creative writing majors must write an original, 1,500-word essay discussing the most important life lessons learned from Moorer’s inspiring book. Essays are judged on:

• research quality
• effectiveness of presentation.

From Failure to Promise Essay Contest 145 South Livernois Road Suite 336 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (866) 996-8674 [email protected] Scholarship Link

6. Go on Girl! Aspiring Writer Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

The National Chapter of the Go On Girl! Book Club presents the Aspiring Writer Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship goes to African American women. They must be enrolling full-time as sophomores or juniors at historically black colleges and universities. They must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in:

• closely related major

They must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Interested applicants must submit an 800-word essay discussing the “Power of the Written Word.”

Go on Girl! Aspiring Writer Scholarship P.O. Box 3368 New York, NY 10185 [email protected] Scholarship Link

7. Helen McCloy Mystery Writing Scholarships

Deadline: February 18th

Through the Mystery Writers of America, the Helen McCloy Scholarships award $1,000 annually. Eligible are U.S. citizens or legal residents. They must  exhibit financial need for attending college-level creative writing programs to improve their writing techniques. Applicants must be serious aspiring mystery writers, but have not received monetary compensation for novels or short stories. Online submissions must include:

• the writing class syllabus
• mystery writing sample
• 500-word essay outlining career goals.

Helen McCloy Mystery Writing Scholarships 1140 Broadway, Suite 1507 New York, NY 10001 (212) 888-8171 [email protected] Scholarship Link

8. Helen Steiner Rice Scholarship

Deadline: March 2nd

The Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County awards the Helene Steiner Rice Scholarship. The  $1,000 scholarship is for Ohioans who are pursuing creative writing or related literary majors. They must be at an accredited four-year institution in the United States. Eligible candidates must:

• have unmet financial need
• carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.0
• show active community involvement
• live within the Greater Cleveland area
• submit three writing samples

Preference is given to non-traditional, adult learners.

Helen Steiner Rice Scholarship 9080 Leavitt Road Elyria, OH 44035 (440) 984-7390 [email protected] Scholarship Link

9. Herb Alpert Scholarship for Young Artists

Deadline: Varies

Ranging from $2,500 to $40,000, the Herb Alpert Scholarship for Young Artists is one of the most lucrative scholarships for creative writing degrees available. Through the CSSSA Foundation, one-time awards are gifted to California high school seniors in seven categories:

• film production
• visual arts

Applicants must:

• have financial need
• exhibit extraordinary artistic talent
• be likely to succeed in an accredited four-year U.S. college.

Herb Alpert Scholarship for Young Artists 85 South Grand Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 584-4055 [email protected] Scholarship Link

10. James R. Buescher Scholarship

The James R. Buescher Scholarship is named for an accomplished writer who died unexpectedly at age 34. The $500 annual award is for Pennsylvania residents pursuing collegiate study in:

Eligible candidates must:

• have graduated high school in Lancaster County
• attend an accredited U.S. institution full-time
• maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
• exhibit financial need

Scholarships can be renewed for each undergraduate year.

James R. Buescher Scholarship 24 West King Street Suite 201 Lancaster, PA 17603 (507) 931-0414 [email protected] Scholarship Link

11. J.D. Salinger Creative Writing Award

Deadline: January 1st

As the Catcher in the Rye author’s alma mater, Ursinus College provides a lucrative, four-year J.D. Salinger Creative Writing Award. It’s for $33,000 annually. Winning this competitive award will require:

• satisfying freshmen admission requirements
• ranking in the top 25th percentile
• achieving a minimum 3.0 GPA
• submitting a portfolio of 10 creative works with outstanding originality

Chosen scholars will also live in the dorm occupied by J.D. Salinger and gain leadership in Ursinus’ writing program.

J.D. Salinger Creative Writing Award 601 East Main Street Collegeville, PA 19426 (610) 409-3200 [email protected] Scholarship Link

12. L. Ron Hubbard Writers Contest

Deadline: September 30th

The L. Ron Hubbard Writers Contest was started in 1983 It offers 12 annual scholarships for creative writing degrees ranging from $500 to $5,000. It’s for amateur writers specializing in science fiction and fantasy. Eligible U.S. college students must have not published a novel or more than three short stories in any literary medium. Contest participants must submit English works of prose up to 17,000 words, which will be judged by a panel of prominent sci-fi authors.

L. Ron Hubbard Writers Contest 7051 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 466-3310 [email protected] Scholarship Link

13. Leyla Beban Young Authors Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

In partnership with Bluefire Productions, the Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation gifts a $1,000 scholarship annually. It goes to high school students who show outstanding promise in the creative writing profession. Entrants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens who haven’t graduated from 12th grade and are already committed to becoming a published author. Entry applications must accompany a 1,000-word original, creative sample piece on any topic.

Leyla Beban Young Authors Scholarship P.O. Box 610005 Redwood City, CA 94061 (650) 262-3076 [email protected] Scholarship Link

14. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship

Deadline: December 31st

In honor of the English novelist who brought us Frankenstein, the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship is awarded by the Horror Writers Association. It goes to outstanding women who are enrolling in university-level creative writing courses. For the $2,500, applicants must:

• have current HWA membership
• exhibit unmet financial need
• be U.S. citizens or legal residents
• submit at least two written works
• show commitment to the honor genre.

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship P.O. Box 56687 Sherman Oaks, CA 91413 (818) 220-3965 [email protected] Scholarship Link

15. NEA Creative Writing Fellowships

Deadline: March 9th

The National Endowment for the Arts awards $25,000 Creative Writing Fellowships every other year. It goes to published creative writers in the United States who need financial assistance for professional development. This includes university-level writing programs. Interested authors can apply by submitting fiction and creative nonfiction prose or 20 pages of poetry. Competition is heated because only five percent of the 1,200 annual applicants are chosen.

NEA Creative Writing Fellowships 400 Seventh Street NW Washington, DC 20506 (202) 682-5034 [email protected] Scholarship Link

16. Positively Different Scholarship Program

Deadline: June 1st

The annual Positively Different Scholarship Program is funded by the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. It awards $1,000 to five high school seniors who are pursuing arts-related bachelor’s degrees, such as:

• architecture
• reside on Cape Cod
• be graduating this June
• have been accepted into an accredited arts program
• exhibit outstanding talent

Creative writing majors must submit works in one of the following categories:

• short stories
• creative nonfiction prose
• dramatic scripts.

Positively Different Scholarship Program 232 Main Street Suite B Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 362-0066 [email protected] Scholarship Link

17. Random House Creative Writing Competition

Deadline: February 5th

Since 1993, the Random House Creative Writing Competition has provided over $100,000 in scholarships for creative writing degrees. These go to New York City public school seniors who are entering accredited U.S. institutions. Participants must submit one original, typed literary composition providing 10 pages in one of the following:

• personal memoir

High-quality submissions are chosen based on:

• artistic expression
• storytelling
• character design
• technical merit

Random House Creative Writing Competition 1745 Broadway 14th Floor New York, NY 10019 (212) 782-8319 [email protected] Scholarship Link

18. Robert J. and Evelyn L. Conley Award

Deadline: February 3rd

The Cherokee National Foundation distributes the annual Robert J. and Evelyn L. Conley Award. The $2,000 goes to Native American students who are enrolled full-time in undergraduate and graduate programs for creative writing or English. Qualified recipients must:

• be tribal citizens of the Cherokee Nation
• have at least one-quarter Indian blood
• attend an accredited U.S. university
• have a minimum 3.0 GPA
• upload two writing samples
• plan to serve the Cherokee people.

Robert J. and Evelyn L. Conley Award 800 South Muskogee Tahlequah, OK 74464 (918) 207-0950 [email protected] Scholarship Link

19. Signet Classics Student Essay Scholarship

Deadline: April 14th

Full-time matriculated 11th and 12th graders attending high schools in the United States can apply for the Signet Classics Student Essay Scholarship. The scholarship is for $1,000 to help them earn their creative writing or English degree. To enter, candidates must submit a maximum three-page essay. It must address one of five writing prompts pertaining to this year’s book, such as The Tempest or My Fair Lady. Essay submissions are evaluated on:

• writing style
• originality
• idea articulation.

Signet Classics Student Essay Scholarship 375 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014 (212) 366-2000 [email protected] Scholarship Link

20. Woodbine Big Dreams Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

The Winston-Salem Foundation grants the Woodbine Big Dreams Scholarship annually. The $1,000 award is for graduating high school seniors residing in the North Carolina counties of:

Eligible students must:

• be accepted into accredited in-state colleges
• maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA
• demonstrate outstanding community service
• plan a career in communication arts

Acceptable majors include:

• digital media
• public relations
• creative writing.

Woodbine Big Dreams Scholarship 751 West Fourth Street Suite 200 Winston-Salem, NC 27101 (336) 725-2382 [email protected] Scholarship Link

Crafting the written word into a riveting tale that engages readers page after page takes finesse. Completing a creative writing program can significantly improve your ability to shape characters and ideas into intriguing plots. Many scholarships are available to help the next Mark Twain or Jane Austen afford literary training. Unlike loans, scholarships are free gifts that provide tuition dollars without repayment. Consider these 20 great scholarships for creative writing degrees to reduce the financial burden of developing your pathway to publishing.

FREE TRAINING: How I Secured 6-Figures in Scholarships & Graduated Debt-Free

The Scholarship System

Paying for college begins here

The Ultimate List of Scholarships for Writers

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Updated on August 23rd, 2024

If your student dreams of pursuing a career that allows them to focus on the written word, scholarships for writers can make their college journey more affordable. As with all scholarships, the money doesn’t have to be paid back, giving your student a chance to avoid burdensome student loan debt.

Scholarships for writers are pretty plentiful. Current college students can serve as valuable mentors in the college application process, helping others navigate various aspects such as application writing and scholarship searching. High school seniors should also consider applying for scholarships to secure funding for their further education. If your student is looking for scholarships for aspiring writers or opportunities that allow them to earn scholarship money for their undergraduate and graduate students’ writing abilities (that can be applied to other majors), here’s what you need to know.

If you and your student want to learn more about where to find scholarships for writers or other opportunities as well as how to land scholarships,  sign up for our free college scholarship webinar ! Head to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve your spot today .

• 1 What Are Writing Scholarship Essays?
• 2.1 General Writing Scholarships
• 2.2 Poetry Scholarships
• 2.3 Creative Writing Scholarships
• 2.4 Journalism Scholarships
• 2.5 Play and Song Writing Scholarships
• 3.1 Can you get a scholarship in writing?
• 3.2 How do I start writing a scholarship?

What Are Writing Scholarship Essays?

Writing scholarships come in two primary forms. The first kind targets students who intend to pursue writing-related majors or careers. The second option allows anyone with writing skills to earn scholarship awards but doesn’t necessarily limit eligibility based on the student’s major or future career plans. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate school students, emphasizing the importance of finding financial aid to support education at various levels.

Scholarships for young writers can help your student pursue their dream while giving them a chance to avoid student loan debt. Since many writing careers don’t start with large salaries, this can make pursuing a career in that arena more affordable. There are also specific scholarship opportunities available for undergraduate students, which can significantly aid in funding their higher education journeys.

In most cases, scholarships for writers require applicants to submit some form of writing sample. This can be in addition to other essays or the only written component requirement.

It’s important to note your student needs to read the fine print on all of the scholarships for writers they consider. In some cases, the written pieces or scholarship essays they turn in become the property of the awarding organization, regardless of whether your student receives a scholarship. As a result, some only allow unique writing per the rules, so your student might not be able to submit the same piece repeatedly.

There is a slew of writing scholarships available. Some accept a wide variety of writing content during the application phase, even short fiction, while others focus on specific forms of writing, like poetry writing scholarships that only consider submissions that include a poem.

To ensure your student can find the right opportunities, this list of scholarships for writers is broken down into the most common categories for writing scholarship essays, as well as a general section for writer scholarships that are more flexible about submissions. High school students, especially those in their junior and senior years, should research and apply for writing scholarships early to enhance their educational opportunities in writing and related fields.

General Writing Scholarships

Some scholarships for writers have a range of categories, allowing undergraduate students and other students to choose one that best aligns with their preferred writing style. As a result, these can be a great starting point for nearly any student.

• ACES Scholarships
• Alliance for Young Artists & Writers’ Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
• Barbara Deming Memorial Fund Scholarship
• Family Travel Forum Teen Travel Writing Scholarship
• Go On Girl Book Club’s Aspiring Writer Scholarship
• KidGuard for Education Scholarship
• Marco Island Foundation for the Arts Scholarships
• Willa Cather Foundation Scholarship

Poetry Scholarships

If your high school student loves spending time creating poems, poetry writing scholarships may be an ideal option for them as they transition to becoming an undergraduate student. Not only can they flex their creative muscles, but they also have a chance to earn money to help pay for school.

• Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship
• Dorothy Rosenberg Memorial Prize in Lyric Poetry
• Horror Writers Association Dark Poetry Scholarship
• Lycoming Creative Writing Scholarship
• Patricia Cornwell Creative Writing Scholarship
• Poetry Foundation’s Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships
• Power of Poetry Scholarships
• William Morgan Poetry Award

Creative Writing Scholarships

This category includes scholarships for creative writing majors as well as other writing awards, for those with creative writing talent who are going to focus on other subjects. These opportunities include short story scholarships, fiction writing scholarships, scholarships for creative writing majors, and more.

• Bobette Bibo Gugliotta Memorial Scholarship for Creative Writing
• Bodie McDowell Scholarship
• CFNEM Carl and Christine Huebner Scholarship
• CW Scholarship
• GRFC Ladies Literary Club Scholarship
• Gwaltney Scholarship
• Horror Writers Association Scholarship
• Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship
• TalNexus Scholarship
• Unico National’s Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship
• Creative Writing Scholarship | Waldorf University

Journalism Scholarships

Journalism is still a popular major for college students, who enjoy writing and want to focus on recent happenings, current events, or investigative writing. There are a ton of journalism scholarships out there, helping students enter into this engaging field.

• Against the Grain Scholarship
• Bob and Marion Breeden Journalism Student Aid Fund Scholarship
• Chips Quinn Scholars Program for Diversity in Journalism (paid internship opportunity)
• GardenComm Scholarships
• Journalism Education Association’s Journalist of the Year Award
• Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award
• Lester G. Benz Memorial Scholarship for College Journalism Study
• Mike Reynolds Journalism Scholarship
• NABJ Scholarships
• New York Financial Writers’ Association Scholarships
• New York Women in Communications Scholarships
• Ohio News Media Association Scholarships
• Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship

Play and Song Writing Scholarships

While there aren’t as many in this category, it is possible to find scholarships for writing plays and songs. Here are a couple of examples.

• Jerome Foundation Many Voices Fellowships
• John Lennon Scholarships

Ultimately, aspiring writers and those who just happen to have a talent for the written word can find scholarships to help them pay for school. Plus, there are tons of other scholarships out there for students interested in other topics, including opportunities for:

• Students with learning disabilities
• Military members, veterans, and their families
• Women and girls
• Native Americans

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a scholarship in writing.

Yes, you can! Many organizations, universities, and writing programs offer scholarships to writers. These can be awarded for your writing talent, academic achievements, or financial need.

Some are for specific genres like fiction, poetry, or journalism, and others for underrepresented voices or topics. To increase your chances, research scholarships that fit your writing style and goals, prepare a strong portfolio or writing sample, and make sure your application shows your passion and commitment to writing.

How do I start writing a scholarship?

Applying for a scholarship can be intimidating, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. First, read the scholarship guidelines carefully to know the requirements including eligibility, documents and deadlines. Research the organization so you can tailor your application to their values and expectations.

Next, brainstorm and outline your essay. Focus on your achievements, goals, and experiences that align with the scholarship’s purpose. Start with a hook that grabs attention, then expand on key points like your achievements and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Remember, the most compelling essays are those that are genuine and reflect your true self.

As you finish, tell them why you’re the best. Revise for clarity and have someone else read it. Then, gather all required documents, check your application, and submit it on time. Apply early and give yourself time to revise, and you’ll submit a good application.

The Scholarship System also runs an annual scholarship to support students. Find out more here:  The Scholarship System Annual Scholarship Opportunity

If you and your student want to learn more about where to find scholarships for writers or other opportunities as well as how to land scholarships,  sign up for our free college scholarship webinar ! Head to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve your spot today

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25 Of The Best Grants For Writers To Fund Their Craft

You’ve heard about government grants for writers , but you don’t know where to find them or whether you even qualify for any of them. 

True, some of them are for residents of a specific state. And some are for applicants of a specific demographic. 

But plenty of them only require that you submit high-quality work for their consideration. And the need-based ones don’t even require that. 

To help you find the best grant options for you, we’ve collected 23 of the best grants for writers living in the United States. 

25 Writers’ Grants to Fund Your Next Project

• Carnegie Fund for Authors (US) 

Elizabeth George Foundation

Freelancers relief fund.

• Karen and Philip Cushman Late Bloomer Award 

PEN American Writers Emergency Fund

• PEN/Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children and Young Adult Novelists 

SFWA Emergency Medical Fund

• Speculative Literature Foundation (6 Grants) 

What the Fund (Worldwide)

Asja writers emergency assistance fund, coronavirus rolling grant for freelance journalists, pen/jean stein grant for literary oral history, whiting creative nonfiction grant.

• Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Grand 
• Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence 

Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund

• Daisy Pettles’ Women Writing Residency and Grant 

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship

• Money for Women by the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund 

Sustainable Arts Foundation Award

While many states have their own grants for resident writers, the grants listed here are for writers who live in the United States, regardless of their particular state of residency. 

Many are need-based while some are specificaly for female writers or writers of color. You’ll see the more specific ones grouped accordingly. 

Creative Writing Grants

Along with grants for fiction witers, these can include book writing grants and poetry grants, as well as funds for screenwriters, playwriters, and fiction freelancers. 

Carnegie Fund for Authors (US)  

This fund is open to any American author who’s published at least one book of reasonable length commercially (with evidence of reader acceptance) and whose current circumstances have placed them in need of emergency financial assistance. 

The Carnegie Fund is open to both fiction and nonfiction authors, even if their work has only been published in ebook or printed format. Applicants must provide documentation to support their claim of financial need. 

This foundation offers artistic grants to unpublished fiction writers, poets, and emerging playwrights, as well as organizations that benefit disadvantaged youth. 

They welcome writers of all ages and background, seeking in particular those who show passion for their work, talent in their use of language, and the discipline to write every day. 

You begin the application process by requesting a brochure by mail. The deadline for applications is July 1st.

During difficult times, freelancers face the prospect of financial hardship from canceled or postponed contract work without the benefit of paid sick leave or unemployment compensation. 

The Freelancers Relief Fund offers grants of up to $1,000 per freelancer to help cover lost income and essential expenses. If freelance work is your primary source of income, and you’ve lost 50%+, join their Freelancer’s Union to receive updates and apply for the grant.

Karen and Philip Cushman Late Bloomer Award  

The Late Bloomer Award is for authors over the age of fifty who write children’s literature but have not been traditionally published.

Newbery Award winner and Newbery Honor Book recipient Karen Cushman and her husband Philip Cushman established this grant with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). 

The winner receives $500 and free tuition to any SCBWI conference anywhere in the world. 

PEN America has expanded its longstanding Writer’s Emergency Fund to support more writers at a time when so many face risks to their health and livelihood. 

The organization offers grants of $500 to $1,000, based on need, using a streamlined process to more quickly respond to the needs of writers. Fiction and nonfiction authors based in the U.S. can apply on their website . 

PEN/Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children and Young Adult Novelists  

PEN member and author of more than 140 books, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor makes this grant possible for authors of children’s and YA fiction.

The purpose of the  $5,000 award is to enable the winning author to focus on completing their latest novel and to let the author know that a panel of expert judges has faith in the quality of their writing. 

Submissions for each yearly cycle are welcome from April 1 to August 1 of the previous year. 

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) has established an Emergency Medical Fund (EMF) to help writers pay medical expenses not covered by their insurance policies. 

While only meant to cover short-term or emergency situations that affect the applicant’s ability to write, the fund helps SFWA members to meet critical needs when work is interrupted.

All requests must specify the recipient and the amount needed, along with a description of the writer’s situation. 

Speculative Literature Foundation (6 Grants)

The Speculative Literature Foundation offers six different grants, none of which charge an application fee. Give them a look if you enjoy writing speculative literature (fiction, poetry, drama, or creative nonfiction ) or are researching for a current project in this genre . 

• The Working Class Writers Grant — for working class, blue-collar, poor, and homeless writers ($1,000)
• The A.C. Bose Grant — South Asian / South Asian diaspora writer ($1,000)
• The Older Writers Grant — writers 50 years of age or older ($1,000)
• The Diverse Writers Grant — writers from underrepresented groups ($500)
• The Diverse Words Grant — work that presents a diverse world ($500)
• The Gulliver Travel Research Grant — supporting research for writers of spec lit ($1,000)

This is a Patreon-supported fund created to support writers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Now more than ever, people depend on artists, writers, and other creatives to keep them entertained and to inspire them to create their own art. 

The program is open to any creator, anywhere in the world, whose income has suffered as a result of COVID-19. The fund also accepts donations via PayPal. 

Nonfiction Writing Grants

The following grants benefit nonfiction writers specifically, whether this involves ghostwriting nonfiction books, writing articles and blog posts, or journalism. 

The American Society of Journalists and Authors created this fund to help professional freelance writers who cannot work because they’re currently ill, disabled or because they’re caring for someone who is.

Writers who can’t work due to a natural disaster or an extraordinary professional crisis are also welcome to apply.

While you don’t have to be an ASJA member to be considered, you will need to provide proof of having worked as a professional freelance nonfiction writer for a number of years. 

The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) established this rolling grant specifically for professional journalists who write groundbreaking stories on the coronavirus and its impact on the world — especially work that exposes wrongdoing in the public or private sector. 

Grants average $5,000 but can go as high as $10,000, with the first half paid on approval and the second on receipt of the finished project. 

If you have a nonfiction work in progress that “uses oral history to illuminate an event, individual, place, or movement,” this grant pays $10,000 annually to support the project’s completion.

Visit the website for complete guidelines on how to apply and what to expect. There is no application fee.

This $40,000 annual grant goes to as many as eight writers of meticulously-researched creative nonfiction.

Whiting welcomes artfully written works of history, cultural or political reportage, philosophy, criticism, the sciences, biography, memoir , food or travel writing, graphic nonfiction, and personal essays. 

Projects must be under contract with a US publisher to be considered. Writers of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Grants for Writers of Color

Most of the grants in this post welcome applicants of color, but the following three have the specific aim of recognizing new writers of color and supporting them in their work. 

Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Grand  

This $2,000 grant supports emerging writers of color with crime fiction writing and career developoment activities. Unpublished applicants are preferred, though they also accept those with several pieces of short fiction and/or up to two self-published or traditionally-published books. 

The work sample you submit for the grant application must be unpublished, and the submission period for 2020 ends on June 8th. 

Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence  

This grant honors Louisiana’s famed storyteller, Ernest J. Gaines, in its ongoing support of emerging African-American fiction writers. The annual $15,000 award helps its recipients cover expenses while focusing on their writing. 

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation sponsors each winners travel to Baton Rouge for an awards ceremony attended by Ernest Gaines, with an author reading and reception. 

This fund is for queer writers of color only. Their stated goal is to raise $100,000 to help at least 100 writers, and they dispense funds for writers according to the amount they receive in donations. 

At this time of this writing, they’re able to dispense a minimum $100 and a maximum $500 to every approved applicant.

Grants for Female Writers

Daisy pettles’ women writing residency and grant  .

This grant supports female writers of 40 years or more with a $1,000 grant and month-long rent-free residency in the Daisy Pettles Writer’s House in Bedford Indiana.

The house is handicapped-accessible and all on one floor, with wide hallways and doorways and a walk-in tiled shower. 

Published and unpublished writers of all backgrounds are welcome to apply. 

If you’re a female writer of horror novels, the Mary Shelley Scholarship awards $2,500 a year for winning writers to spend on approved writing education. 

The aim of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) is to encourage more female writers to enter the horror genre and aid in its continuing development. They have another scholarship open to all HWA members, regardless of gender. 

Money for Women by the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund  

As the oldest ongoing feminist granting agency, the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund supports feminist writers and visual artists. Named after feminist writer Barbara Deming, the foundation is in its fourth decade and is still proudly feminist and willing to take risks. 

Grants for Parents

If you’re a parent of a child under 18 years of age, and you’re a writer or artist, you’re welcome to apply for this award for timely and transformative works of art and literature.

The Sustainable Arts Foundation makes annual unrestricted grants to individuals, at least half of which are applicants of color. 

They also support artist residencies. The foundation is based in San Francisco, California. 

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11 Creative Writing Exercises To Awaken Your Inner Author

12 Of The Best Writing Websites To Inspire You To Write

Did you find some grants for writers that might work for you?

Now that you’ve looked over 25 of the best grants for writers, which ones are you most likely to apply for? And what could you do today to get closer to applying for one of them? 

If you weren’t sure, before reading this post, where to find funds for writers, I hope you now have a few to focus on, either to finance your continuing development as a writer or to help cover expenses while you finish a work in progress. 

May your efforts yield a rich reward for you and your readers. 

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