The Grace Paley Fund for Vermont Writers

Being a writer anywhere is a lousy way to get rich. Being a writer in Vermont -- where local publications offer frugal payment, and doing national work often requires expensive travel -- is just that much harder. Even writers who take second or third jobs to support their creative vocation can find it more difficult to support themselves here.

The Grace Paley Fund, created under the auspices of the National Writers Union Vermont chapter, is intended to make the writing life a little easier for low-income writers in the state. Small grants for travel, photocopying, educational and other expenses will make it possible for writers to complete projects that could otherwise be just beyond their reach. (Consider, for example, the cost of a dozen or more copies --now required by most literary agents before they'll represent a book-- of a manuscript that might run to 400 pages or more.) Removing such barriers to participation in the marketplace of ideas will ultimately benefit us all.

For more information about applying for a grant from the fund, or about making a tax-deductible contribution, please send email to paleyfund@nwu-vt.org .