Closed
Writers Program
Support for new literary writing projects
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 5,000 - $ 10,000
- Deadline
- Unspecified
- Location
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Writers Program supports the creation of new literary works and works in progress for Toronto writers, with fixed funding levels of $5,000 or $10,000. It supports fiction, literary non-fiction, poetry, oral traditions, and related writing projects, including some accessibility support for eligible recipients.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $10,000
- Minimum funding
- $5,000
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- All groups
- Legal structures
- Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
- Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
- Scope
- Local
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Professional writers published by a professional publisher.
- Individual writers and collaborative applications with a principal applicant.
- Writers in fiction, literary non-fiction, poetry, and oral traditions.
- Applicants in the City of Toronto.
Who is not eligible
- Self-published writers.
- Writers published only in newsletters or non-literary student magazines.
- Applicants under 18 years old.
- Undergraduate students.
- Applicants seeking publishing-only support or translation-only projects.
Eligible expenses
- Costs directly related to creating the new literary work or work in progress.
- Accessibility costs for eligible recipients, such as interpretation, captioning, support workers, or equipment rentals.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects completed before the results announcement.
- Publishing-only costs, including printing.
- Film, video, or television scripts.
- Translation.
- Tuition fees.
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Toronto
Activities funded
- Creation of new literary works or works in progress.
- Writing projects in fiction, literary non-fiction, poetry, and oral traditions.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare application
- Complete the online Writers application.
- Prepare the literary CV, project description, and writing sample.
- Include an English translation if the sample is in another language.
- Step 2: Submit online
- Register and submit the application on Toronto Arts Council Grants Online.
- Upload all required support material through the portal.
- Submit before 11:59 pm on the deadline date.
- Step 3: Receive confirmation
- Watch for the confirmation email after submission.
- Check the spam or junk folder if the email does not appear.
Documents Needed
- Literary CV in PDF format
- Project description
- Writing sample or support material
- English translation for samples in other languages
- Letter of copyright permission for adaptation projects
Selection criteria
- Literary or artistic merit of the writing.
- Separate assessment for Level One and Level Two applications.
- Equity priority may apply when applications are equally strong and funds are limited.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a blind peer assessment process.
- Applications are assessed separately for Level One and Level Two.
- Funding decisions are based on the review panel’s recommendations.
- Results are sent by email, usually within 3 to 4 months after the deadline.
- Successful applicants must sign a Letter of Understanding before payment is released.
Additional information
- Collaborative applications are allowed, with a principal applicant required.
- The program uses a blind assessment process.
- Applicants receive a notification email with results about 3 to 4 months after the deadline.
- Successful applicants must sign a Letter of Understanding before funding is released.
Contacts
Official sources
Program guide
Program Guidelines (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Writers Program Program
What is the Writers Program?
The Writers Program supports the creation of new literary works and works in progress for Toronto writers, with fixed funding levels of $5,000 or $10,000. It supports fiction, literary non-fiction, poetry, oral traditions, and related writing projects, including some accessibility support for eligible recipients.
How much funding can be received?
Writers Program Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Writers Program program?
To be eligible for the Writers Program program, you must:
Professionally published writer.
Toronto resident for at least one year.
Meets level-specific career criteria.
What expenses are eligible under Writers Program?
Costs directly related to creating the new literary work or work in progress.
Accessibility costs for eligible recipients, such as interpretation, captioning, support workers, or equipment rentals.
Who can I contact for more information about the Writers Program?
You can contact Toronto Arts Council (TAO) by email at rudrapriya@torontoartscouncil.org or by phone at 416-392-6802 x 236.
Where is the Writers Program available?
The Writers Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the Writers Program?
Writers Program is funded by Toronto Arts Council (TAO)