Work-in-Progress Awards support children’s book writers and illustrators through manuscript recognition and exposure to acquiring editors, helping them move projects toward completion and publication.
Winners for the associated Cushman Award will now be announced in November 2026 instead of October 2026.
Karen Cushman Late Bloomer Award supports unpublished children’s authors and author-illustrators aged 50 and older with work-in-progress funding and conference access to support their book projects.
Grant supports SCBWI members with funds to cover essential pre-publication costs for self-publishing children's books, based on project quality and business plan strength.
The Spark Award honors outstanding independently published children's books, celebrating excellence in writing, illustration, and design within self- and indie-publishing.
Emerging Voices Award supports marginalized writers and writer-illustrators through conference participation, publicity, and career guidance to foster diverse voices in American children’s books.
Kate Dopirak Craft & Community Award supports authors facing financial barriers with conference attendance and an agent and/or editor consultation to strengthen writing craft and build community.