#United States #Chicago #Grants #Poetry Foundation #Literary Arts

Poetry Foundation's Generous Grants to Nonprofits

The Poetry Foundation has recently made headlines by distributing a substantial amount of $1.3 million in grants to support various nonprofit poetry-based organizations, publications, and literary arts services across the United States. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to enhancing the accessibility and reach of poetry in diverse communities.

After reviewing 137 grant applications, 52 organizations were selected to receive funding as part of the Fall 2025 grant cycle. This financial support will not only expand access to poetry but also assist poets by providing valuable resources such as publishing opportunities, fellowships, and creative residencies. The selected organizations are also tasked with engaging the community through public events and workshops tailored for audiences of all ages.

Michelle T. Boone, the Poetry Foundation's president and CEO, expressed her sentiments: "At a time when connection and understanding are more vital than ever, supporting poets and ensuring access to poetry helps strengthen the cultural fabric we all share. Poetry invites reflection, empathy, and imagination, qualities that bring communities together." Boone emphasized the importance of the arts, especially poetry, in forming community bonds and fostering individual growth through creativity.

The Foundation's efforts to bolster the literary arts go beyond individual grants; it marks the completion of the first three years of its grant-making initiative. In 2025, the Poetry Foundation streamlined its process with a revamped grant-making strategy that includes updated priorities, eligibility requirements, and important deadlines. This strategic shift was designed to further strengthen the literary ecosystem and address the needs of the community more effectively.

Moreover, the Poetry Foundation is proud to announce its role as a founding funder of the newly launched Literary Arts Fund—a five-year, $50 million collaborative initiative that seeks to amplify resources and visibility for literary arts nationwide. This ambitious project aligns with the Foundation’s vision of supporting literature and related activities throughout the country.

Spotlight on Selected Grantee-Partners

Some highlights of the organizations that secured funding through this grant round include:

• - Beyond Baroque, California - $50,000
• - Brooklyn Poets, New York - $30,000
• - California Poets in the Schools, California - $30,000
• - Community Literature Initiative, California - $60,000
• - Mass Poetry, Massachusetts - $35,000
• - Urban Word NYC, New York - $50,000
• - Youth Speaks, California - $50,000

In addition to supporting nonprofit poetry organizations, the Foundation also provided grants to various presses and literary magazines, including:

• - Alice James Books, Maine - $30,000
• - American Poetry Review, Pennsylvania - $15,000
• - Nightboat Books, New York - $25,000
• - Words Without Borders, New York - $20,000

Furthermore, the grants extended to literary arts service organizations which include:

• - American Literary Translators Association, Arizona - $20,000
• - Lambda Literary, New York - $50,000
• - Community of Literary Magazines and Presses, New York - $45,000

In total, the Poetry Foundation will have awarded over $3 million in grants throughout the year, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering poetry and literary arts across America. This funding is essential for nurturing creative talents, sustaining nonprofits, and expanding the public's engagement with poetry.

Conclusion

The Poetry Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in enriching the literary landscape and providing invaluable support to the organizations that make a difference in the lives of poets and poetry enthusiasts alike. With the recent grants, they are not only fortifying the cultural fabric of various communities but also making significant strides towards a more inclusive and accessible future for literary arts. For further information on their funding initiatives, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Poetry Foundation's official website.