GRANTS...

The free money everyone wants. Here you'll find grants that cover a simple conference fee or a six-month retreat to write and get away from it all. Some pay thousands for projects and others exercise your ability to match writing with a social cause. 

Regardless, these grants are legitimate. But like any market or contest, read the guidelines to make sure you fit the mold. While some of them are for big dreamers who face stiff competition, others provide new talent with opportunity. Find out why FundsforWriters is the specialist on grants available to freelance writers.

(These represent a sample of what we offer in our newsletter. You receive more than this entire list in one edition of TOTAL FundsforWriters, our paid subscription.) In the meantime, sign up for our free newsletters below. 

 
 MASSACHUSETTS HUMANITIES COUNCIL PROJECT GRANTS
http://masshumanities.org/?p=project
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Three types of project grants offered in 2010. Grants are $5,000 to $10,000.

Crisis, Community and Civic Culture Project Grants. With this thematic initiative Mass Humanities seeks proposals
for public programs that will encourage participants to explore the confluence of challenges that has led to today's fraying of
the social contract as well as the history and promise of collective action organized in response to a variety of crises.

Engaging New Audiences Project Grants. Project grant proposals that include a detailed and realistic plan for engaging new and larger audiences. Special consideration will be given to proposals describing projects that will engage audiences and participants with limited access to the humanities. Young and working adults are examples, as are prison inmates, teens and nursing home residents. Proposals may utilize the full range of public program formats.

Media Grants. Films that explore humanities themes. Film and video grants at the $10,000 maximum are only available for pre-production and Social Media Outreach. Preference will be given to projects that address Massachusetts topics.

NOTE: These are given to nonprofits, but individual artists can partner with nonprofits in developing some fantastic
opportunities, resulting in payment to the writer from the grants. Write plays, develop websites, tutor creative writing,
develop reading groups, offer public lectures.

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CULTURAL EXCHANGE FUND
http://www.apap365.org/KNOWLEDGE/GrantPrograms/Pages/cef.aspx
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The Cultural Exchange Fund (CEF) is a travel subsidy program supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to assist U.S. based presenters in building partnerships and collaborations with international touring artists, companies and their
collaborators and in seeing the work of artists from around the world in its cultural context. Arts Presenters will award travel
subsidies to individual presenters, presenting organizations and to groups of presenters traveling to see the work of artists,
companies and/or to develop and advance projects with international artists and their collaborators. All applicants must be active members of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters. Deadline November 15, 2010.

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WELLINGTON CULTURAL FUNDING - NEW ZEALAND
http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/grants/
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If you or your group needs funding support for an arts project or event, WCC may be able to help. The Creative Communities Local Funding Scheme is now open for applications. It supports local communities to create and present opportunities for arts participation. Individuals or groups can apply. This round is for projects starting after September 15, 2010. Deadline August 31, 2010.

The Cultural Grants pool is also open. These grants strengthen partnerships with arts organisations, festival groups and institutions. Any group can apply, so long as you're legally constituted (i.e., a trust or incorporated society), or sit under the umbrella of an organisation meeting this description. Deadline August 31, 2010.

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 TURN2US
https://www.turn2us.org.uk
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Turn2us is a new independent charity that helps people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help. Their free, accessible website is a comprehensive and invaluable resource that helps you find sources of financial
support, quickly and easily, based on your particular needs and circumstances.

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THE AUTHORS' FOUNDATION - UK
http://www.societyofauthors.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines-Authors'%20Foundation_0.pdf
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The Foundation provides grants to writers to assist them while writing books. There are two rounds of grants each year, awarded
in the summer and in the winter. The next closing date for applications is 30th September 2010. To apply the author must meet one of the following conditions:

1. The author has been commissioned by a commercial British publisher to write a full-length work of fiction, poetry or non-fiction and needs funding (in addition to the publisher’s advance) for important research, travel, or other more general expenditure.

2. The author is without a contractual commitment by a publisher but has had at least one book published commercially by a British publisher, and there is a strong likelihood that their next book will be published in Britain.

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 KICKSTARTER
http://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq
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Kickstarter is focused on creative ideas and ambitious endeavors. We're a great way for artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers,
writers, athletes, adventurers, illustrators, explorers, curators, promoters, performers, and others to bring their projects, events, and dreams to life. You post your project, how much you need, and select 1-90 days. Based upon your information and project, people donate funds to help you succeed. If your target amount isn't reached, all support is cancelled. If you do reach the amount, the supporters' credit cards are charged and you are endowed with the funds you need.

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 RUTH TALABER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND - ILLINOIS
http://www.caconline.org/default.asp?page=services
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Provides members of the Chicago Artists's Coalition who are facing catastrophic circumstances as a result of sudden, unexpected events, such as illness, accident, or fire, with a one-time assistance grant.

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SPRINGBOARD FOR THE ARTS LOW INTEREST LOAN FOR ARTISTS - MN
http://www.springboardforthearts.org/services/ALF.asp
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Springboard's Artist Loan Fund provides low-interest loans from $1,000 to $5,000, at a rate of 1% above the prime rate, simple interest, to artists in the Twin Cities area. Loan terms are from 12 to 36 months. This is a community-based revolving loan program designed to meet a broad range of artists' needs and opportunities.

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SPRINGBOARD EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND - MN, IA, ND, SD, WI
http://www.springboardforthearts.org/Services/ERF.asp
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Springboard's Emergency Relief Fund exists to help meet the emergency needs of artists in need of immediate monies to cover an expense due to loss from fire, theft, health emergency, or other catastrophic, career-threatening event. The purpose of the Emergency Relief Fund is to expedite recovery from a specific economic crisis so that the artist applicant may continue their work. Artist applicants living in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin may access up to $500 to meet or defray unexpected "emergency" expenses. Relief Fund payments are made directly to the business that the artist owes money, not to the artist applicant.

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MONTANA OPPORTUNITY GRANTS
http://art.mt.gov/artists/artists_opportunity.asp
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Opportunity Grants are given throughout the year to enable the Council to respond to artists' or organizations' opportunities or emergencies. Grants will not exceed $1,000, and decisions will be dictated by the availability of funds and the nature of the request. Applications are reviewed monthly and must be received in the Montana Arts Council office by the first of each month.

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EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND - TEXAS
http://www.arthousetexas.org/index.php?_page=load_page&_id=ARTIST_SERVICES
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Arthouse has established the Emergency Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Texas artists who have experienced an unforeseen health or property disaster which prevents their normal production of art. Applicants must be full time artists. For more information contact info@arthousetexas.org  or call 512.453.5312.

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WASHINGTON WOMEN IN NEED - WASHINGTON STATE
http://www.wawomeninneed.org/
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Washington Women In Need provides grants in four program areas: Education at accredited institutions in Washington; Mental Health Counseling with licensed mental health professionals; Health Care Insurance Premiums for current health coverage; and
Physical/Dental/Vision/Hearing exams and treatment.

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 THE HAVEN FOUNDATION
http://www.thehavenfdn.org/
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The mission of The Haven Foundation is to strengthen and sustain the careers of freelance professional writers, artists and others connected with the entertainment industry across the United States. A professional is an individual who is committed to his/her industry or work, who has derived at least 1/3 (33.3%) of his/her income over the past three (3) years from his/her personal production, performance or other work in the industry. The qualified person must have experienced a recent, unforeseen emergency or triggering event that has significantly and adversely affected the qualified person’s ability to produce, perform and/or market his/her work and, thus, creates the need for immediate relief funds and/or assistance. The Foundation is not able to assist in situations of financial need that result solely from lack of employment, poor sales and/or poor business practices.

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 MAYER FOUNDATION
http://www.mayerfoundation.org/
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The mission of the Foundation is to make economic relief grants to needy individuals who are distressed or suffering as a result of poverty, low income or lack of financial resources, including as a result of natural or civil disasters, or from temporary impoverishment, loss of employment, death or incapacity of a family wage earner or damage to home and property; to provide health care to those who cannot afford health care or whose health insurance or financial resources are insufficient to cover medical needs; to make grants to other IRS 501(C)(3) organizations for educational, literary, cultural, humanitarian, scientific, health-care related and other charitable purposes; and to award scholarship benefits and student aid to high school, college or graduate school students to enable the recipients to complete an undergraduate or graduate education in the field of their choice at the college or graduate school of their choice. Grant sizes vary but generally range from $2,500 to $5,000 per grant.

(NOTE: Several readers have written the Mayer Foundation lately and learned they have no grant funds at the moment. Be sure to check with them before you apply. Their situation may change after the first of the year.)

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SANTA FE ARTS INSTITUTE EMERGENCY FUNDS
http://www.sfai.org/applications.html 
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As an outgrowth of our original Emergency Relief Residencies, SFAI has instituted an ongoing Emergency Relief Residency to provide residencies for artists and writers whose lives and work are compromised by domestic strife, political upheaval or natural disasters. Residencies are by application only.

In response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, SFAI is ready to make available its facility to artists, writers and crafts people who lost homes, studios, art work or jobs.

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AUTHORS' CONTINGENCY FUND - UK
http://www.societyofauthors.org
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This fund makes modest grants to published authors who find themselves in sudden financial difficulties. Contact the Society of Authors for an information sheet and application form.

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NEWSPAPER PRESS FUND - UK
Phone 01306 887511
Fax 01306 888212
E-mail: enquiries@pressfund.org.uk
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Aims to relieve distress among journalists and their dependants. Continuous and/or occasional financial grants; also retirement homes for eligible beneficiaries.

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ROYAL LITERARY FUND
http://www.rlf.org.uk/
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The Royal Literary Fund is a British benevolent fund for professional published authors in financial difficulties.

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CHANGE EMERGENCY FUNDS
Change, Inc.
P.O. Box 54, Captiva, FL 33924 
Phone: (212) 473-3742 
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Awards of up to $1,000 for medical, living, or other emergencies. Open to artists of all disciplines, with no U.S. geographical restrictions; students are not eligible. Each applicant must submit a detailed letter describing the financial emergency, copies of outstanding bills, medical fee estimates, etc., and current financial statements, along with a career resume, exhibition or performance announcements, slides or photos of work and two letters of reference from someone in the affiliated field (no video tapes). Only complete applications will be accepted. Change, Inc does not issue more than one grant per person.

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PEN AMERICAN CENTER WRITER'S FUND
http://www.pen.org/page.php/prmID/251 
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The PEN Writers Fund is an emergency fund for professionally published or produced—writers with serious financial difficulties. Depending on the situation, the fund gives grants or loans of up to $1,000. The maximum amount is given only under especially dire circumstances and when monies are available. The PEN Fund for Writers and Editors with HIV/AIDS, administered under the PEN Writers Fund, gives grants of up to $1,000 to professional writers and editors who face serious financial difficulties because of HIV or AIDS-related illness. The Writers Fund does not exist for research purposes, to enable the completion of writing projects, or to fund publications or organizations. The Writers Fund Committee meets approximately every two months to review applications. 

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 AUTHORS LEAGUE FUND - EMERGENCY FUNDS
31 East 32nd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10016
staff@authorsleaguefund.org
www.authorsleaguefund.org
Main Phone: (212)268-1208 / Main Fax: (212)564-5363
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The Authors League Fund was established by the Authors League of America, Inc., to help career authors and dramatists in the United States and in financial distress due to an urgent situation. The Fund makes interest-free loans to professional writers in need; for example, writers with health problems and inadequate health insurance, or older writers whose income has ceased. Loan-seekers must show need and documentation of their professional status. Method of contact: telephone, letter or email. 

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CLAYTON MEMORIAL MEDICAL FUND
c/o OSFCI
P.O. Box 5703
Portland, Oregon 97228 
http://www.osfci.org/clayton/index.html 
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The fund helps professional science fiction and fantasy writers living in the Northwest states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska deal with the financial burden of illness. 

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AMERICAN POETS FUND - EMERGENCY FUNDS
The Academy of American Poets
584 Broadway, Suite 604
New York, NY 10012-5243
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Assists poets of demonstrated ability who are in a state of urgent financial need. Grants cannot be used to promote or otherwise enhance literary talent or reputation, and applications are not accepted. Academy Chancellors, Fellows, and prize winners may bring the circumstances of qualifying poets to the attention of the American Poets Fund committee by sending a letter of nomination, including specifics about the nominee's current financial situation, to the Executive Director of the Academy. 

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POETS IN NEED
http://www.poetsinneed.org/ 
Emergency assistance to established poets who have a substantive published body of work.

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SFWA EMERGENCY FUNDS
http://www.sfwa.org/org/funds.htm
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The SFWA Emergency Medical Fund offers interest-free loans to
members facing unexpected medical expenses.

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SFWA LEGAL FUNDS
http://www.sfwa.org/org/funds.htm
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The SFWA Legal Fund makes loans available to authors who must take a writing-related dispute to court. Loans are made on a case-by-case basis, after review by the Grievance Committee and the SFWA attorney.

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WRITERS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND 
(Formerly The Llewellyn Miller Fund of the American Society of Journalists and Authors Charitable Trust ) 
1501 Broadway, Ste. 302 
New York, NY 10036 
Tel: (212) 997-0947 
FAX: (212) 768-7414 
http://www.asja.org/weaf.php 
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Financial relief assistance to established, professional freelance writers of nonfiction books and magazine articles. Must be elderly, ill, disabled, or facing an extraordinary crisis.

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WRITER'S TRUST WOODCOCK FUND - EMERGENCY FUNDS
90 Richmond Street East
Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario
M5C 1P1
416-504-8222 / F- 416-504-9090
http://www.writerstrust.com/ 
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Provides emergency funding for established writers in mid-project who are facing financial crisis. Since its inception, the Woodcock Fund has supported 103 Canadian writers in financial difficulty. The total amount dispersed to date is $380,000. 

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JOHN ANSON KITTREDGE EDUCATIONAL FUND.

c/o Key Trust Company of Maine, P.O. Box 1054, Augusta, ME 04332

Application Address, P.O. Box 382203, Cambridge, MA 02238-2203

Grants awarded to artists in very special circumstances. $1,000 - $10,000. Initial contact by letter stating purpose, amount requested, period of funding, supporting letter.

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