💸 Grant Opportunities for Black Writers – March 2025

At Dear Black Author, our mission is to help you turn your story into legacy. We know writing takes heart, but publishing takes resources—and we’re here to help you get both. Whether you're drafting your debut novel or writing poetry that sparks change, there are funding opportunities right now designed to support Black writers just like you.

Here are some up-to-date grants and fellowships available as of March 28, 2025:

1. Silvers Grants for Works in Progress

Deadline: March 31, 2025
Award: Up to $10,000
Who It's For: Writers with a publishing agreement working on literary criticism, political analysis, arts writing, or long-form social commentary.
Why Apply: This grant gives you time and financial freedom to complete high-quality, impactful writing.
Learn More →

2. Ann Petry Award

Deadline: March 31, 2025
Award: $3,000
Who It's For: Black authors with an unpublished fiction manuscript.
Why Apply: Named after the first Black woman novelist to sell over a million copies, this award continues her legacy by spotlighting powerful new voices in fiction.
More Info →

3. Black Creatives Fund – We Need Diverse Books

Deadline: Ongoing
Award: Varies (includes grants, mentorship, and professional development)
Who It's For: Emerging or established Black writers and illustrators.
Why Apply: This is more than a grant—it's a supportive network that invests in your creative journey.
Apply Here →

4. Hand Papermaking's Black Writers Fellowship

Deadline: October 15, 2025
Award: Publication in Hand Papermaking magazine
Who It's For: Black writers with an interest in writing a long-form article about hand papermaking.
Why Apply: A unique blend of history, artistry, and Black storytelling in one fellowship.
Program Info →

5. Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship

Deadline: TBA – Opens mid-2025
Award: £18,000 for fiction / £27,000 for nonfiction
Who It's For: African writers working on full-length books.
Why Apply: Offers a substantial stipend so you can focus completely on writing your book.
Overview →

6. NEH Public Scholars Program

Deadline: August 6, 2025
Award: $5,000/month for 6–12 months
Who It's For: Writers working on nonfiction books rooted in the humanities—history, culture, identity, etc.
Why Apply: Ideal for authors who want to take a scholarly concept and bring it to a wide audience.
Details Here →

Don’t Let Funding Be the Barrier

You were born with brilliance. Now it’s time to back that brilliance with the funds you deserve. These grants are here to help you get published, get paid, and get seen. Apply, reapply, and don’t stop pitching your story until it’s in the world where it belongs.

📬 Join our mailing list for monthly updates on new grants.
🖤 Tag us on Threads @dearblackauthor if you apply—we’d love to shout you out!
📝 Need help with your application? We offer editing services for bios, proposals, and grant writing.

Stay bold, stay Black, stay brilliant.

With purpose + power,
Dear Black Author

www.dearblackauthor.com