New York, NY—June 18, 2020—Poets & Writers, the leading national resource for creative writers, has announced a second round of funding through the Poets & Writers COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund was established in March to provide emergency assistance to writers having difficulty meeting their basic needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April, Poets & Writers made grants of $1,000 to 107 writers in twenty-six states.
An additional round of funding is now available thanks to a lead contribution from Hachette Book Group, plus generous support from Hello Sunshine, Simon & Schuster, and an anonymous individual. “We know that writers continue to be severely impacted by the economic slowdown,” said Michael Pietsch, CEO of Hachette Book Group and a member of Poets & Writers’ Board of Directors. “Hachette is pleased to support Poets & Writers in providing direct relief to writers during these uncertain times.”
Writers are invited to review eligibility requirements and apply today; grants will be made on the basis of financial need and funds disbursed by mid-July.
In recent months Poets & Writers has taken a number of steps to assist writers coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, including creating an extensive list of resources for writers, which is posted at pw.org and updated regularly. The organization has also modified the guidelines for Readings & Workshops mini-grants in order to support virtual events and modified the Literary Events Calendar to help writers promote online readings and events. The editorial staff is covering the pandemic’s impact on the literary community from multiple angles, including a series of short essays called Postcards from the Pandemic.
About Poets & Writers: Poets & Writers was founded in 1970 and has been the primary source of trustworthy information, professional guidance, support, and inspiration for writers for fifty years. Our work is rooted in the belief that literature is vital to sustaining a vibrant culture. We focus on nurturing literature’s source: creative writers. Our mission is to foster the professional development of poets and writers, to promote communication throughout the literary community, and to help create an environment in which literature can be appreciated by the widest possible public. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, Poets & Writers affirmed its vision for the future: to empower creative writers and strengthen literary communities throughout the United States. Learn more at pw.org.
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Contact:
Melissa Ford Gradel
Managing Director
mgradel@pw.org
Poets & Writers, Inc.
90 Broad Street, Suite 2100
New York, NY 10004
pw.org