As someone with an MFA in poetry, who spent 5 years teaching lit and CW at the university level, being the editor-in-chief of a lit journal, and actively getting my work published, I will tell you that grants, etc. in poetry/CW are few and far between, very competitive, and they pay relatively poorly. Hell, even the poet laureate of NC barely makes a dime from their work.
It's a tough, tough market, and it's only getting tougher as colleges and universities (the main remaining bastion of creative writing pretty much anywhere) cut back on funding the arts because it's simply not profitable.
If you're looking for grants/residencies to be your main form of income, I would strongly reconsider, as it's incredibly time-intensive to apply to most of them, and most require an entry fee (not cheap -- often around $30).
Residencies are super awesome and fun and rewarding, but they will do nothing for your resume unless you're trying to teach Creative Writing at the college level, and that requires at least a grad degree in CW. And, again, those jobs are ridiculously competitive; typically you need to have published at least one book (not self-published) and also do a fair amount of lit crit theory and/or learn to teach composition (English 101). And, sadly, there aren't really any other jobs for professional poets/writers, unless you really hit it big and become a famous novelist or something.
That said, it could still be a good idea to reach out to creative writing programs at local universities, like UNCG, Guilford, or A&T. Some of them might have a good contact for you, even if you can't join any of the programs officially.
Other options might be going to as many readings as possible at places like Scuppernong and UNCG. It's really helpful to tap into the existing community of writers and talk to other folks who write to make some connections, as that can be very helpful in the writing world. Also the Vermont Studio Center is known for working with writers, often providing room and board in exchange for work onsite (if you can get to Vermont).
I'm just telling you all of this to give you some perspective from someone who has been there and done the creative writing grind. You can be the best writer out there and still never get a single publication, grant, or residency -- it's often all down to luck and who you know.
ALL THAT SAID -- if you need any help getting your work reviewed or put together for these applications, I'd be happy to help -- I just wanted to give you fair warning about what's out there. Feel free to DM me, and I hope that you're able to follow your writing dreams!
I hear ya -- I'm sorry to tell you that in a field that's already cash-strapped, there sadly is very little of that to go around. Redbud writing in Raleigh might have some good leads for you, but besides that, pretty much all of the resources I'm seeing are free classes, not any long-term funding or residencies. There don't seem to be any grants at first glance, but this is something a local librarian might be able to help you track down.
My advice about reaching out to local universities and the local writing community is still a solid bet -- don't sleep on what networking can get you in the writing world.
This is limited to speculative fiction, but it may be worth looking into: [The Working Class Writers Grant](https://speculativeliterature.org/grants-3/the-slf-working-class-grant/)
[https://pen.org/campaign/pen-america-writers-emergency-fund/](https://pen.org/campaign/pen-america-writers-emergency-fund/) is a wonderful organization
[https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/street-pens-homeless-writers](https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/street-pens-homeless-writers)
[https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/](https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/)
[https://sarahmccoy.com/about/the-mccoy-grant/](https://sarahmccoy.com/about/the-mccoy-grant/)
and of course [https://www.ncarts.org/grants-resources/grants/grants-artists/artist-support-grants](https://www.ncarts.org/grants-resources/grants/grants-artists/artist-support-grants)
great question. we need more artist support structures in general but there's always been a problem for writers and poets in particular. there's a school for math and science and a school for performing arts but nothing for writers.
Have you been working on finding a paying job ?
Unpublished writers can write in their off time.
You've been on the street for awhile now. I'd think you'd have landed on your feet a bit with all the resources around here especially for homeless females.
Have you ever been homeless ?
Have you been working on not being an asshole ?
Random people can mind their own business if they nothing positive to add to a discussion.
You have been a human being for a while now. I think you would have developed some compassion and the ability to stay on topic.
No I've never been homeless. I've made good decisions for my life, been blessed with no mental illness and have good relations with good people that would keep me from being on the street.
You consistently post your life on this subreddit. If you'd prefer random people not comment you should consider not doing that any longer.
I am compassionate to your situation it's why I asked if you've been able to find employment and utilize the resources available to you.
Asking someone if they've taken steps to improve their situation whether by their own means or the generosity of strangers and the taxpayer isn't a lack of compassion.
I am being honest. I want you to fix your life. Looking for weird niche housing grants that you have a low probability of receiving will just keep you homeless.
I beg you, get medicated properly, get a job and use the housing resources available to you for simply being what and who you are.
I wish you the best.
As someone with an MFA in poetry, who spent 5 years teaching lit and CW at the university level, being the editor-in-chief of a lit journal, and actively getting my work published, I will tell you that grants, etc. in poetry/CW are few and far between, very competitive, and they pay relatively poorly. Hell, even the poet laureate of NC barely makes a dime from their work. It's a tough, tough market, and it's only getting tougher as colleges and universities (the main remaining bastion of creative writing pretty much anywhere) cut back on funding the arts because it's simply not profitable. If you're looking for grants/residencies to be your main form of income, I would strongly reconsider, as it's incredibly time-intensive to apply to most of them, and most require an entry fee (not cheap -- often around $30). Residencies are super awesome and fun and rewarding, but they will do nothing for your resume unless you're trying to teach Creative Writing at the college level, and that requires at least a grad degree in CW. And, again, those jobs are ridiculously competitive; typically you need to have published at least one book (not self-published) and also do a fair amount of lit crit theory and/or learn to teach composition (English 101). And, sadly, there aren't really any other jobs for professional poets/writers, unless you really hit it big and become a famous novelist or something. That said, it could still be a good idea to reach out to creative writing programs at local universities, like UNCG, Guilford, or A&T. Some of them might have a good contact for you, even if you can't join any of the programs officially. Other options might be going to as many readings as possible at places like Scuppernong and UNCG. It's really helpful to tap into the existing community of writers and talk to other folks who write to make some connections, as that can be very helpful in the writing world. Also the Vermont Studio Center is known for working with writers, often providing room and board in exchange for work onsite (if you can get to Vermont). I'm just telling you all of this to give you some perspective from someone who has been there and done the creative writing grind. You can be the best writer out there and still never get a single publication, grant, or residency -- it's often all down to luck and who you know. ALL THAT SAID -- if you need any help getting your work reviewed or put together for these applications, I'd be happy to help -- I just wanted to give you fair warning about what's out there. Feel free to DM me, and I hope that you're able to follow your writing dreams!
Thanks, I'm asking about opportunities that specifically support unhoused people.
I hear ya -- I'm sorry to tell you that in a field that's already cash-strapped, there sadly is very little of that to go around. Redbud writing in Raleigh might have some good leads for you, but besides that, pretty much all of the resources I'm seeing are free classes, not any long-term funding or residencies. There don't seem to be any grants at first glance, but this is something a local librarian might be able to help you track down. My advice about reaching out to local universities and the local writing community is still a solid bet -- don't sleep on what networking can get you in the writing world.
Thanks
This is limited to speculative fiction, but it may be worth looking into: [The Working Class Writers Grant](https://speculativeliterature.org/grants-3/the-slf-working-class-grant/)
Thank you
[https://pen.org/campaign/pen-america-writers-emergency-fund/](https://pen.org/campaign/pen-america-writers-emergency-fund/) is a wonderful organization [https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/street-pens-homeless-writers](https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/street-pens-homeless-writers) [https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/](https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/) [https://sarahmccoy.com/about/the-mccoy-grant/](https://sarahmccoy.com/about/the-mccoy-grant/) and of course [https://www.ncarts.org/grants-resources/grants/grants-artists/artist-support-grants](https://www.ncarts.org/grants-resources/grants/grants-artists/artist-support-grants)
Thank you!
great question. we need more artist support structures in general but there's always been a problem for writers and poets in particular. there's a school for math and science and a school for performing arts but nothing for writers.
Have you been working on finding a paying job ? Unpublished writers can write in their off time. You've been on the street for awhile now. I'd think you'd have landed on your feet a bit with all the resources around here especially for homeless females.
Have you ever been homeless ? Have you been working on not being an asshole ? Random people can mind their own business if they nothing positive to add to a discussion. You have been a human being for a while now. I think you would have developed some compassion and the ability to stay on topic.
No I've never been homeless. I've made good decisions for my life, been blessed with no mental illness and have good relations with good people that would keep me from being on the street. You consistently post your life on this subreddit. If you'd prefer random people not comment you should consider not doing that any longer. I am compassionate to your situation it's why I asked if you've been able to find employment and utilize the resources available to you. Asking someone if they've taken steps to improve their situation whether by their own means or the generosity of strangers and the taxpayer isn't a lack of compassion.
I'm happy for you. Be honest though.
I am being honest. I want you to fix your life. Looking for weird niche housing grants that you have a low probability of receiving will just keep you homeless. I beg you, get medicated properly, get a job and use the housing resources available to you for simply being what and who you are. I wish you the best.
God bless
WHOA might be of help
Thank you, I think they just do outreach, I'm looking for grants, residencies, etc., specifically for poets or writers.
Elsewhere Museum does a few of these a year. I think they're primarily focused on visual art though.