The Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry

The Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry perpetuates and promotes the art of poetry in American culture. The Foundation is interested in expanding awareness of the positive effects of poetry on society.

Grant categories include the following:

• Translation and the Process of Translation
  The focus is on the translation of poetry from languages not currently available to English readers and poetry which has not been translated or merits a new translation. Projects which explore the art and the process of translation are also encouraged. The Foundation does not fund publications of poetry-in-translation.
   
• Uses of Poetry
  The focus is on programs that use poetry for the greater public good. Model programs or curricula that can be transferred to and used by other organizations are preferred. Past programs have focused on youth at risk, hospital and therapeutic programs, minorities, people with disabilities, prison programs, curriculum development, and documentary films.
   
• Developing the Poetry Audience
  Organizations applying in this category should indicate who the target audience will be. Past programming has included documentary film production, dramatic presentations, school poetry programs, reading series, conferences, and seminars.

Grants are not made to/for:

• indirect costs for grant administration;
• capital improvements;
• endowment funds; or,
• operating expenses.

Note: The Foundation is also committed to Witter Bynner Fellowships for Poets selected by the Poet Laureate in collaboration with the Library of Congress.

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