Literary Arts Project Grants

Literary Arts Project Grants is sponsored by South Arts. These grants support literary arts organizations and small presses focusing on contemporary literary arts in the American South. Projects can include creative literary work creation and publishing (e.

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Literary Arts Project Grants | South Arts Literary Arts Project Grants See All Grants & Opportunities Important Dates and Deadlines As part of its Literary Arts Initiative, South Arts is pleased to announce Literary Arts Project Grants supporting literary arts organizations and small presses that focus on contemporary literary arts.

These grants advance South Arts’ commitment to amplifying the literary traditions and artistic practices of the American South by directly supporting the development, production, and public engagement of high-quality literary projects. Literary Arts Project Grants support projects in poetry, fiction, creative or literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama (scriptwriting).

Projects must demonstrate artistic excellence, editorial rigor, and meaningful public or community impact. South Arts will award up to $5,000 per project to eligible literary arts organizations and small presses.

Important Dates and Deadlines Applications Open: August 12, 2026 Application Deadline: October 7, 2026 Award Notifications: November 2026 Final Report Due: June 30, 2027 South Arts reserves the right to adjust announcement dates based on application volume and review timelines. Incomplete or improperly submitted applications are ineligible and will not be considered.

Applicants must meet the following criteria: Be an independent nonprofit literary arts organization, independent publisher, or small press, including literary journals Maintain a literary arts mission Be headquartered in South Arts’ nine-state region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) Colleges and universities Organizations funded in the previous Literary Arts Project Grant cycle Applicants proposing the same project to another South Arts grant program Literary Arts Project Grants support projects in two categories: 1.

Creative Literary Work Creation and Publishing Projects that support the development, editorial production, and dissemination of contemporary literary content in print, digital, or audio formats. Eligible projects include: Literary journal or magazine issues Anthologies or curated literary collections Projects must demonstrate editorial judgment, artistic vision, and public access.

Projects that actively engage audiences and communities with contemporary literary arts, including but not limited to: Podcasts or digital public programming Projects may be local or regional in scope and should reflect collaboration, innovation, and equitable access.

Competitive proposals should demonstrate: Clear project activities aligned with the organization’s mission Identification of intended audiences and demonstrated public value High-quality editorial or curatorial processes Strong artistic vision and innovation Fair compensation for writers and project personnel Commitment to providing broad public access, fair participation, and accessibility in project planning, implementation, and outcomes Clear marketing and distribution strategies reflected in the budget Eligible project-related expenses include: Personnel and artist fees Editorial, design, production, and distribution services Travel (air, ground, lodging, per diem) Office and project supplies All expenses must occur between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

Literary Arts Project Grants do not support: General operating support Full seasons of programming Social or fundraising events (galas, dinners, receptions) Degree-related coursework or academic programs For-profit or commercial ventures Construction, renovation, or vehicle purchase Regranting or sub-granting Projects without editorial or curatorial selection processes Required Application Materials Organizations must submit: Organization Mission Statement - Mission statements should address organizational goals, leadership qualifications, artistic history, and governance structure.

Representative Work Samples directly related to the proposed project Panelists will make recommendations based on the following criteria: Artistic Excellence (50%) Quality of published or proposed literary work Originality, innovation, and editorial strength Artistic partners and relevance to audiences Feasibility of the project and timeline Realistic budget and matched resources Track record of the organization Fairness in compensation and working conditions Alignment with mission and community impact Grant recipients must submit a final report at the conclusion of the grant period describing: Public acknowledgment of South Arts support Copies of supported publications Please contact grants@southarts.

org for technical assistance with Salesforce or application issues. For all other inquiries, Applicants are encouraged to contact Lisa Smalls, Director, Arts Access and Learning at lsmalls@southarts. org .

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For questions about the Southern Prize for Literature, contact Lisa Smalls, Director of Arts & Learning.