The 2023 Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant of $40,000 will be awarded to as many as ten writers in the process of completing a book-length work of deeply researched and imaginatively composed nonfiction for a general readership. It is intended for multiyear book projects requiring large amounts of deep and focused research, thinking, and writing at a crucial point mid-process, after significant work has been accomplished but when an extra infusion of support can make a difference in the ultimate shape and quality of the work. The program's chief objective is to foster original, ambitious projects that bring writing to the highest possible standard.
Whiting welcomes applications for works of history, cultural or political reportage, biography, memoir, science, philosophy, criticism, food or travel writing, graphic nonfiction, and personal essays, among other categories. Again, the work should be intended for a general, not academic, adult reader. Self-help titles, historical fiction, textbooks, books primarily for a scholarly audience, and books for young readers are not eligible. Examples of the wide range of previous grantees can be found on the program's website.
Projects must be under contract with a publisher in Canada, the UK, or the US by April 25 to be eligible, and the fully executed contract signed by all parties must be uploaded as part of the application. Contracts with self-publishing companies are not eligible.
The deadline to apply is April 25, 2023. All materials must be received by 11:59pm Eastern Time (i.e., New York City time) on this date; incomplete applications will not be considered. We will, however, accept publisher letters until May 2, although we strongly advise applicants to encourage referees to get these letters in as close to April 25 as possible.
Each project under submission will have two first-round readers who will evaluate for substance and execution (while understanding that they are reading a work in progress). Finalists will be considered by a separate panel of judges who will evaluate for need in addition to substance and execution. Readers and judges will consist of experts in the field and will serve anonymously to shield them from any external pressures. The grantees will be announced in the fall.
The Foundation will host two online information sessions to answer questions and offer guidance on applying for the grant. Click the dates below to register.
If you have any questions about the eligibility of your project, or the application process, please contact the Whiting Foundation at nonfiction@whiting.org.