Literary Arts Fund Awards $7.7 Million in First Grants

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, along with six other philanthropic organizations, has unveiled the inaugural grants from the Literary Arts Fund, amounting to $7.7 million. This funding will be allocated to 40 organizations in 19 states, with grants varying from $40,000 to $500,000. Notable beneficiaries include the National Book Foundation, which hosts the National Book Awards; the North Carolina Writers' Network; publishers Graywolf Press and Copper Canyon Press; and the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop. Established prior to President Donald Trump's second term—during which arts funding has been reduced—the fund's overseers aim to distribute at least $50 million over the next five years. Executive Director Jen Benka urged leaders who appreciate literature to support writers, books, and reading.