The Emerging Writers Fund (EWF) is a global initiative designed to support international writers by providing material support and mentorship to realize ambitious, original work.

Mission

Intellectual life should not be restricted to those with access to elite institutions, and so we are particularly interested in writers with:

• Working class backgrounds

• Barriers arising from disability or significant caring responsibilities

• Precarious or informal employment

• A lack of formal university credentials

• Other circumstances that have limited opportunities for sustained intellectual support and engagement

The program aims to elevate these voices in critical and public discourse by providing editorial guidance and resources.

Award Details

• This program supports two emerging writers working on challenging, non-fiction writing projects that need support.

• In the spirit of critical engagement, we are open to a wide range of topics.

• This is a 6-month incubator program beginning in September and ending in February.

• Grant: $2,000 per recipient fully disbursed upon completion of a 3,500-word writing project.

• Support: Monthly editorial and professional development with development editors Aimee Walleston and Tara Heffernan, and one hour-long development meeting with Catherine Liu.

• Publication: Projects will be considered for digital publication on platforms such as the CLiuAnon Substack (over 15,000 subscribers).

Application Process

• 300-word Personal Statement explaining your goals with your writing, and any personal achievements.

• 1000-word Writing Sample that includes a title and any prior publication information.

• 1 character reference (name, email, and phone number).

• 10 applicants will be advanced to the final round, at which time we will contact references.

• Our 2026 deadline for applications is 5pm PDT, August 20, 2026.