Frequently Asked Questions
THE APPLICATION:
To whom should I address my letter of application? Dear Selection Committee.
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.
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 submit an application for a COURAGE to WRITE grant and a LANDO grant? Yes. Each application is considered a new and complete application. When you submit your application, there will be check box for you to designate which grant you are applying for.
How should I format my application? Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-space. Poetry and plays are exceptions and may be single spaced.
What can I do to make my application strong? 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. Selection committees love applications that shine.
What is the application fee? The application fee helps cover the costs of administering the grants and providing reading and selection committee fees and stipends.
How flexible is the application deadline? The 2023 applications close at midnight PST on February 15, 2023. We will not be able to accept applications after that time.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Are my application materials made public? No. Your application materials are confidential. Any information about you that we would like to make public should you receive a grant, will be information that you give us permission to use. We like to publicize our awardees, but will only use information an awardee has provided and given us permission to use.
LANGUAGE
May I submit my application in a language other than English? No. Only applications submitted in English will be accepted.
ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to apply for a Courage to Write grant? Writers over age 18 who are working on a writing project. Applications are open to individual adult 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.
Can organizations apply for a Courage to Write grant? No. Applicants must be individuals. Companies or organization are not eligible.
GENRES
Are all genres of writing considered? Yes. Fiction, non-fiction, creative nonfiction, short-story, poetry, YA, children’s books, and plays are 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? Your proposal is stronger if your writing sample is related to the project for which you are seeking funds.
What should I do if the five-page limit comes mid-paragraph? Complete the paragraph.
What if my writing sample gets published before the close of the award submission date? Contact us if this happens and the selection committee will decide.
FINAL REPORT
Do I need to write a final report? Yes. All grant recipients 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 awardees.
SELECTION COMMITTEE
Who is on the Courage to Write grant selection committee? Writers and professionals who appreciate the world of literary arts and the challenges of writers.
TIMELINE
When will I find out if I have received a grant? By mid to late April, 2023.
If I’m awarded a grant, how soon will I receive the grant funds? Awardees should receive the grant funds by mid May of 2023. We will need to receive your complete Grant Agreement and W-9 (if appropriate) form prior to sending the funds.
OTHER
What is a grant acceptance agreement? A one-page signed agreement between The de Groot Foundation and the awardee 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 US based recipients, you will receive a W-9 taxpayer identification form to complete before receiving the funds. And, you will 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 do not provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates. We may put general feedback updates on the website to help people strengthen future applications. Selection committee decisions are final.
Fee Waiver requests for this grant cycle closed on January 31, 2023
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 10pm EST on February 15, 2023.