The NEA Literature Fellowships program offers $25,000 grants in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) and poetry to published creative writers that enable the recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement.
Applications are reviewed through an anonymous
process in which the only criteria for review are artistic excellence and artistic merit.
To review the applications, the NEA assembles a different advisory panel every year, each diverse with regard to geography, race and ethnicity, and artistic points of view.
The NEA Literature Fellowships program operates on a two-year cycle with fellowships in prose and poetry available in alternating years.
For FY 2012, which is covered by these guidelines, fellowships in prose are available.
Fellowships in poetry will be offered in FY 2013 and guidelines will be available in January 201 2. Individuals may apply only once each year.
Competition for fellowships is extremely rigorous.
Potential applicants should consider carefully whether their work will be competitive at the national level.
The Arts Endowments support of a project may begin any time between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2013, and extend for up to two years.