Request for Applications: Writers Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 15-Jun-2026

The Writers Grant Program supports the creation of new literary works in written and oral forms across genres such as fiction, poetry, literary non-fiction, and spoken-word. It offers $5,000 (Level One) or $10,000 (Level Two), with up to $5,000 extra through the TAC Accessibility Grant for Deaf artists and artists with disabilities.

What is the Writers Grant Program?

The Writers Grant Program provides funding for the creation of new literary works.

It supports both written and oral storytelling forms, including:

• Fiction
• Literary non-fiction
• Poetry
• Storytelling
• Dub
• Rap
• Spoken-word

The program is designed for writers at different career stages, with separate funding levels for emerging and established applicants.

Eligible Genres

Supported genres include:

• Novels
• Short stories
• Children’s literature
• Graphic novels
• Literary non-fiction
• Poetry
• Storytelling
• Dub
• Rap
• Spoken-word

Funding Amount

Level One

• $5,000
• For writers in the early stages of their career

Level Two

• $10,000
• For writers with an established writing career

TAC Accessibility Grant

• Up to $5,000 additional funding
• For projects involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities

Accessibility funding may cover:

• Interpretation
• Captioning
• Support workers
• Equipment
• Other accessibility-related project costs

What is Not Supported?

The program does not support:

• Completed projects
• Publishing-only costs such as printing
• Scripts for film or television
• Anthologies
• Cookbooks
• Self-help manuals
• Academic textbooks
• Commissioned works
• Promotional activities

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a:
  • Canadian citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Protected person
  • Or someone with a pending permanent residency application
• Have lived in the City of Toronto for at least 1 year before the application deadline
• Be a professional artist
• Submit only one project per deadline

Applicants cannot apply to both the Writers and Playwrights programs at the same time.

Publishing Requirements

General requirement

Applicants must be published by a professional publisher with an independent editorial selection process.

Not accepted as valid publishing credentials:

• Self-publishing
• Similar non-editorially selected formats

Level One

Applicants must have:

• At least one professionally published work, such as:
  • Article
  • Poem
  • Short story

If the applicant already has a published book in the same genre, they must apply under Level Two.

Level Two

Applicants must show stronger professional achievement, such as:

• A published book
• A publishing contract
• Or a substantial body of published writing

Oral tradition artists

Applicants in storytelling, dub, rap, or spoken-word must show:

• A history of public performance
• Stronger recognition and experience for Level Two

Student Restriction

Professional artists currently in academic study cannot apply if the project is related to their coursework.

Why this program matters

This program is valuable because it:

• Supports new literary creation, not just publication
• Funds both written and oral literary forms
• Recognizes different career stages
• Encourages accessibility and inclusion
• Supports Toronto’s literary and spoken-word community

Tips for Applicants

• Apply under the correct level based on your publishing record
• Clearly show that the project is for new work, not a completed piece
• Highlight your professional publishing credentials
• If applying in oral traditions, show a strong public performance history
• Add a clear accessibility budget if requesting TAC Accessibility funding

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with a completed project
• Including printing or publishing-only costs
• Using self-publishing as your main eligibility proof
• Applying to the wrong level
• Applying to both Writers and Playwrights at the same deadline
• Submitting coursework-related projects

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding is available?

• Level One: $5,000
• Level Two: $10,000
• Accessibility Grant: up to $5,000 extra

2. What kinds of projects are eligible?

New literary works in:

• Fiction
• Literary non-fiction
• Poetry
• Children’s literature
• Graphic novels
• Storytelling
• Dub
• Rap
• Spoken-word

3. Are completed projects eligible?

No. The grant supports new work in development, not completed projects.

4. Is self-publishing accepted?

No. Applicants must show publication through a professional publisher with an independent editorial process.

5. Can I apply to both the Writers and Playwrights programs?

No. You cannot apply to both programs simultaneously.

6. Can oral tradition artists apply?

Yes. Artists working in storytelling, dub, rap, and spoken-word can apply if they demonstrate a public performance history.

Conclusion

The Writers Grant Program is a strong opportunity for Toronto-based professional writers and oral tradition artists creating new literary work. With $5,000 to $10,000 in core funding plus up to $5,000 in accessibility support, it helps both emerging and established creators develop meaningful new projects across a wide range of literary forms.

For more information, visit Toronto Arts Council.