Endowment Fund

Writers Matter

On the occasion of its 35th anniversary in 2005, Poets & Writers launched its first-ever capital campaign, “Writers Matter.” By July 2006, we had raised $3 million– $2 million to establish an endowment to secure and expand P&W’s programs and $1 million to support special initiatives. Over the coming years we will continue to grow the endowment fund, which will allow us to expand our Readings/Workshops program into new cities across the country and serve many more writers.

Through our Readings/Workshops program, we annually distribute more than $200,000 to 750 writers who participate in events that reach thousands of individuals. Writers supported by Poets & Writers read and teach at venues ranging from libraries and community centers to prisons, senior centers, and shelters for homeless women and at-risk youth.

Organizations sponsoring the events apply for writers’ fees and are asked to match the amount Poets & Writers grants. Until recently the Readings/Workshops program was limited to California and New York, and Chicago and Detroit. Thanks to the generosity of our Board of Directors and the many individuals who contributed to the campaign, we have begun to support events in Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, Seattle, Tucson, and Washington, D.C. As a result of this expansion, hundreds of additional writers will receive support from us each year.

With limited funding for literary programs at the national, state, and local levels, the support that Poets & Writers provides to writers and literary events is increasingly important. If you are interested in making a gift to the Poets & Writers endowment fund or would like additional information, please contact the development office.