What's Happening?
A coalition of seven foundations has established a Literary Arts Fund to distribute at least $50 million over the next five years, addressing the chronic shortage of financial backing for independent publishers
and nonprofits dedicated to writing and reading. Initiated by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the fund aims to strengthen the financial infrastructure of literary organizations and nonprofits. The fund will support a wide range of recipients, including poetry festivals, writer residencies, and small publishers. The application process is set to begin on November 10, 2025.
Why It's Important?
The Literary Arts Fund represents a significant investment in the literary arts sector, which has historically received less than 2% of arts grants in the U.S. This initiative aims to provide much-needed financial support to literary organizations, enabling them to continue their work in fostering creative expression and cultural discourse. By supporting a diverse range of literary activities, the fund seeks to enhance the visibility and sustainability of the literary arts ecosystem, potentially leading to increased philanthropic interest and collaboration among funders.
What's Next?
The fund will begin accepting applications for grants on November 10, 2025, with parameters for grant sizes yet to be established. The initiative aims to support a wide range of literary activities and organizations, potentially leading to increased visibility and understanding of the literary arts field. The fund's launch may encourage more financial support for literary arts, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for creative writers and publishers.
