Literary Arts Project Grants
South Arts' Literary Arts Project Grants support Southern literary organizations and presses in creating, publishing, and publicly engaging audiences with contemporary literary projects.
Funder: South Arts
Due Dates: October 7, 2026 (full application submission)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per project; funding period: July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027.
Summary: Supports nonprofit literary arts organizations and small presses in the American South to develop, produce, and publicly engage audiences with contemporary literary projects.
Description
This grant program, part of South Arts' Literary Arts Initiative, is designed to strengthen the literary arts ecosystem in the American South by providing project-based support to nonprofit literary organizations, independent publishers, and small presses. The program funds the creation, production, and public engagement of high-quality literary projects—including poetry, fiction, creative or literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama (scriptwriting). Projects must demonstrate editorial rigor, artistic excellence, and meaningful community impact, with a strong emphasis on broad public access and equitable participation.
Eligible project types include both the creation and publishing of literary work (such as journal issues, anthologies, or books) and community engagement activities (such as reading series, festivals, or digital programming). The grant prioritizes projects that reflect innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity within the region’s literary landscape.
