THE APPLICATION:
May I apply using my pen name? No. Please use your legal name. In the application letter you can let us know your pen name.
The application asks for my legal name. What if I don’t go by that name anymore? We request your legal name as that is usually the name associated with your social security number. Should you receive a grant, you’ll need to complete a W-9 tax form. If you prefer to use another name, just let us know your preferred name in the application letter.
May I submit more than one application? Yes. Each application is considered a new and complete application. You will follow all the guidelines for each application and pay the application fee for each.
May I apply for both a COURAGE to WRITE grant and a LANDO grant? Yes. Each application is unique. Click here to apply for a LANDO grant and click here to apply for a COURAGE to WRITE grant.
How should I format my application? Use Times New Roman 12-point font and double space your application document. Numbering pages is optional.
What can I do to make my application strong? Read the guidelines and application directions carefully and follow those directions as you prepare your application. We want to receive thoughtful, well-written proposals that reflect you, your commitment and passion. Consider your application as you would any writing that you are sending for review. Does your application reflect your writing style? Does it clearly describe your project? Polish and edit before you submit. Your application will be competing with other applications.
What is the application fee? The application fee helps offset the costs of Submittable, administering the grants and providing reading and selection committee fees and stipends.
How flexible is the application deadline? The 2024 applications close at midnight PST on February 5, 2024. We will not be able to accept applications after that time. Please submit well before the last hour. We are unable to handle last minute challenges.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Are my application materials made public? No. Your application materials are confidential. We like to publicize our grantees, but will only use information a grantee has provided and given us permission to use.
ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to apply for a COURAGE to WRITE grant? Writers over the age of 18 who are working on a writing project. Applications are open to all writers regardless of race, ethnicity, gender orientation, education, economic situation, geographic origin or location.
I write with a partner. Can we apply jointly for a grant? No. Only individuals are eligible for a grant. If you write with a partner, one of you may apply. Should you be awarded a grant, you are free to share the grant award with your partner. Please discuss the partnership in your application.
Are MFA students eligible to apply for a grant? Yes.
Can organizations apply for a Courage to Write grant? No. Applicants must be individuals. Companies or organizations are not eligible.
GENRES
Are all genres of writing considered? Yes. Fiction, non-fiction, creative nonfiction, short-story, poetry, YA, children’s books, plays and screenplays are considered.
LANGUAGE
May I submit my application in a language other than English? No. Only applications submitted in English will be considered.
WRITING SAMPLE
Should I submit a writing sample that is related to the project for which I’m requesting funds, or may I submit a writing sample about anything? Please submit a writing sample related to the project for which you are seeking funds.
What should I do if the five-page writing sample limit comes mid-paragraph? Complete the paragraph on the next page.
What if my writing sample gets published before the close of the award submission date? Contact us at grants@degrootfoundation.org if this happens and the selection committee will decide.
If my writing sample is only four pages will I still be eligible? Yes.
The writing sample I would like to submit with my application has been workshopped but never published. Is that permissible? Yes.
FINAL REPORT
If I receive a grant, do I need to write a final report? Yes. All grantees will be asked to submit a brief final report. The final report lets The de Groot Foundation learn about the impact of this kind of funding for writers. Your report is an important gesture that paves the way for future grantees.
SELECTION COMMITTEE
Who is on the COURAGE to WRITE grant selection committee? The Selection Committees are writers and writing professionals who appreciate the challenges of emerging writers.
TIMELINE
When will I find out if I have received a grant? In May of 2024.
If I’m awarded a grant, how soon will I receive the grant funds? Grantees should receive the grant funds by early June of 2024. We will need to receive your complete Grant Agreement and W-9 (if appropriate) form prior to sending the funds.
FEE WAIVER
If it’s difficult for me to pay the application fee, do I have any other options? Each year, we offer application fee waivers for writers facing financial challenges. We’ve had an unexpected number of applications this year. As of January, 21, 2024 we can no longer accept fee waiver requests. Thank you for understanding.
OTHER
What is a grant acceptance agreement? A one-page signed agreement between The de Groot Foundation and the grantee specifying conditions, timeline, publicity and reporting agreements.
Do I have to pay taxes on the grant funds? Depending on your country of residence, you will need to speak with your accountant to understand your tax implications. For U.S. based grantees, you will receive a W-9 taxpayer identification form to complete before receiving the funds. In January you’ll receive a 1099 tax form.
If I do not receive a grant this year, may I apply again next year? Yes.
If I’m not a successful grant applicant, will I receive feedback about how to improve my application for another year? We are not able to provide individual feedback to applicants who do not receive grants. We may put general feedback updates on the website to help people strengthen future applications. Selection committee decisions are final.
If you have a question that has not been answered, please write to: grants@degrootfoundation.org. Please note that we will not be able to respond to questions after 7pm PST on February 5, 2024.