The Woodcock Fund is a quick-access emergency resource that aids established Canadian writers who face an unforeseen financial crisis.
Who is Eligible?
An applicant must be:
- A professional writer engaged in the production of literary work who has derived a substantial share of their income from writing and writing-related activities. A minimum of two books published by a traditional publisher or an equivalent body of work is required; self-published and ghostwritten works will not be accepted as equivalents.
- Facing an unforeseen financial need that imperils the completion of their project. Usually, a matter of exigency including but not limited to illness, accident, temporary loss of income, or other misfortune rather than an ongoing, chronic problem of making a living.
- Working on a book-length project in the category of fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, playwriting, or children’s literature.
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Accommodation will be made to eligible applicants applying to the program in languages other than English. Please contact the program director.
Who is Not Eligible?
The program does not support screenwriting, journalism, academic works, or formulaic romance writing. Nor is it able to provide writers with loans, grants for research or travel, or support to cover publication costs (such as printing, editing, translation).
The Woodcock Fund is not intended to address need resulting from indebtedness or lack of employment. Writers should not approach the program before they have made an honest and reasonable attempt to support themselves by other means.
What Are Grants Meant to Provide?
A Woodcock Fund grant is unlike other professional writing grants. It is intended to provide a short-term financial bridge for applicants to assist them during their crisis. The size of the grant is determined by the individual circumstances of the writer. In evaluating an applicant’s needs, the program will consider all legitimate expenditures relating to an applicant’s professional work, personal living, and medical expenses.
Grants are given with no strings attached.
Applicants should be aware that the program is designed to assist writers facing an imminent crisis that can be alleviated with a grant that typically ranges between $2,000 and $10,000. The program is not intended to be a means of support for writers challenged to earn an income. A crisis of some nature is necessary to be considered.
What is Required in an Application?
- Application Form. You will be asked to provide basic financial information and state the amount requested.
- Cover Letter. Address eligibility criteria, particularly the circumstances behind your application. Be specific and concise. Recommended length: 1-2 pages.
- Letters of Reference (2). Address candidate’s status as a professional writer, current work-in-progress, and/or the nature of financial need. References should come from fellow writers. Reference letters from publishers or literary agents are not accepted.
- Resume
- Project Summary. Describe your current work-in-progress in one paragraph. Include projected date of completion and plans for publication.
Upon initial review, we may request additional support material relevant to your application if necessary (medical records, invoices, etc… ). Please do not send writing samples or books.
How Are Applications Assessed?
A committee of seven established writers from across Canada reviews applications and advises the Writers’ Trust. The committee gives consideration to an applicant’s financial need, their publication track record, the strength of statement in the letters of reference, and the viability of their project to be published, among other variables. The application process takes 2-3 weeks.
Applications are accepted throughout the year. There are no deadlines.
Are Recipients Publicly Identified?
The Writers’ Trust keeps all information about grants confidential. We do not publicize a list of past recipients. Successful applicants may choose to acknowledge being beneficiaries of the program.
Reapplication
Past recipients should be aware that the program does not wish to become an instrument of extended or permanent support for particular individuals. Recipients who reapply must face circumstances so changed as to warrant further support.
Submission
We encourage applicants to contact the program director with questions about eligibility prior to submitting an application.
Contact
Program Director
James Davies
jdavies@writerstrust.com
877-906-6548 / 416-504-8222 x.245
Image Credit: Amador Loureiro
For more information: HERE