On October 28, 2026, the Poetry Foundation announced it has awarded $1.52 million to 52 nonprofit poetry organizations, poetry presses, magazines, and literary arts service organizations across 23 states and U.S. territories. Michelle T. Boone, president and CEO of the Poetry Foundation, highlighted the importance of supporting the literary arts during a time of rising costs and diminishing traditional funding sources. Boone stated that the funding enables people of all ages to engage with poetry and poets.
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The grantee-partner organizations focus on various initiatives, including supporting poets at all career stages, publishing emerging voices, and providing opportunities for audiences to experience poetry. They also offer fellowships, residencies, professional development for poets, and enhance access to poetry through translation and archival work.
These grants are part of the Poetry Foundation's broader philanthropic efforts, which increase the total grantmaking for 2026 to over $3.4 million. The foundation's commitments this year also include $400,000 in special opportunity grants for national events like the Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference and the National Book Awards. Additionally, the foundation has earmarked $250,000 for individual poet opportunities, which include fellowships at MacDowell and support for the Chicago and Illinois poet laureateships.