Historic Literary Arts Fund Initiative Aims to Transform U.S. Nonprofit Sector

Launch of the Literary Arts Fund

In a significant move to support the nonprofit literary arts sector, a coalition of seven prominent charitable foundations announced today the establishment of the Literary Arts Fund, with an initial commitment of $50 million over the next five years. This unprecedented initiative aims to bolster a field that has been historically underfunded and ensure that creative writers across the United States receive the support they need to thrive.

The coalition, which includes well-known organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Mellon Foundation, and Poetry Foundation, acknowledges that the nonprofit literary sector plays a crucial role in American culture by providing a platform for a diverse range of voices. Percival Everett, a celebrated author and poet, emphasized the necessity of nonprofit publishers, stating, "Without nonprofit publishers, American letters would have stalled long ago. This initiative exemplifies the spirit we wish our writers to embody."

The nonprofit literary arts encompass hundreds of organizations that serve not only established writers but also first-time authors and those from historically underrepresented communities. These organizations host events, publish works in various genres, mentor new writers, and award fellowships that celebrate artistic achievements. As a collective, they strengthen the fabric of American literature, ensuring that a wide array of perspectives continues to influence our cultural landscape.

Addressing Funding Disparities

Despite the essential contributions of the literary arts, funding remains alarmingly scarce. Recent data indicates that literature received only 1.9% of the $5 billion allocated for arts grants in 2023. This long-standing disparity poses significant challenges, particularly as public funding dwindles and operational costs rise. The Literary Arts Fund aims to fill this gap and provide the necessary resources to sustain the vitality of literary arts organizations.

Elizabeth Alexander, the president of the Mellon Foundation, voiced the importance of strengthening the financial infrastructure of literary organizations. She stated, "The literary arts give voice to who we are as a people. American philanthropy can play a significant role in uplifting the organizations that support our creative writers."

A Commitment to Writers

The initiative has already garnered praise from well-known authors such as Ann Patchett, who expressed her gratitude for the support aimed at writers and readers alike. She remarked, "The Literary Arts Fund’s commitment is a celebration of the bond we forge with books and the connections they help us build with each other."

To launch this initiative, each founding funder contributed a one-time gift to the Literary Arts Fund, which will actively seek additional contributions from other philanthropic organizations to enhance its impact. New members of the Literary Arts Funders Collaborative, formed to support and engage with the literary community, include the Houston Endowment, Jerome Foundation, and the McKnight Foundation.

Jennifer Benka, an experienced leader in the literary field, has been appointed to direct the fund. With over two decades of experience leading organizations like the Academy of American Poets, she is well-equipped to manage new grantmaking and supportive programs for writers and literary nonprofits.

Benka expressed her admiration for the foundational support and called on other philanthropic leaders to embrace this cause and contribute to sustaining the literary culture in the U.S.

Grant Opportunities

The Literary Arts Fund will accept applications for grants from U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and publishers starting November 10. These grants will target organizations that support diverse contemporary writers across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or hybrid genres. Requests for more details on eligibility and guidelines can be accessed via the Literary Arts Fund website.

This initiative signifies a hopeful new chapter for the nonprofit literary sector, aiming not only to rejuvenate the landscape but also to cultivate a vibrant future for literature in America. For updates and information, interested parties are encouraged to subscribe to the Literary Arts Fund’s newsletter.

With this bold step forward, the coalition of foundations is hopeful that the Literary Arts Fund will invite new supporters, enhance the capacity of literary organizations, and ultimately inspire a flourishing literary ecosystem that reflects the diversity and richness of American culture.