Granum Foundation Prizes
“A word after a word after a word is power.”
—Margaret Atwood
The Granum Foundation Prize will be awarded annually to help U.S.-based writers complete substantive literary works—such as poetry books, essay or short story collections, novels, and memoirs—or to help launch these works.
Additionally, the Granum Foundation Translation Prize will be awarded to support the completion of a work translated into English by a U.S.-based writer.
Funding from both prizes can be used to provide a writer with the tools, time, and freedom to help ensure their success. For example, resources may be used to cover basic needs, equipment purchases, mentorship, or editing services.
Competitive applicants will be able to present a compelling project with a reasonable timeline for completion. They also should be able to demonstrate a record of commitment to the literary arts.
The Granum Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Granum Foundation Prize
Prize: One winner will be awarded $5,000. Up to three finalists will be awarded $500 or more.
Granum Foundation Translation Prize
Prize: One winner will receive $1,500 or more.
Eligibility:
Winners and finalists who received cash prizes from previous Granum competitions are not eligible.
Writers who have published more than five books, including chapbooks, are not eligible for the Granum Foundation Prize. Literary journals and anthologies are not included in this count. This restriction does not apply to Granum Foundation Translation Prize applicants.
Only U.S. residents 18+ are eligible for funding, and prizes must be spent in the U.S.
Funds cannot be used specifically for travel or for study at an educational institution.
At this time, we are not accepting screenplays, stage plays, or children’s picture books.
Only one entry is allowed per person for each prize.
Applications for the 2025 Granum Foundation Prize and the Granum Foundation Translation Prize will be open from May 1 until August 1 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Winners and finalists will be announced in November.
Optional Feedback Service:
For a fee of $25, The Granum Foundation will provide applicants with constructive criticism and suggestions for revision on their writing sample and application. Approximately one page of feedback will be provided by one or more of the contest judges. Payment must be made via Zelle, Venmo, or check. (Payment information will be provided via email after your application has been submitted.) Due to the large number of applications we typically receive, this service will be capped at approximately 300 entries. Feedback will be provided after winners of the Granum Prize have been announced. Feedback is not available for the Granum Foundation Translation Prize. General entry is free, and your preference for this option will not affect your chances of winning.