VOLUME 26, ISSUE 2 | january 9, 2026 |
MY FRIEND'S SOCIAL MEDIA... A friend messaged me and said she couldn't stand to read the latest messages from some of her writing friends, one in particular. She felt badly not wanting to follow her friend. Turns out it was about current events and politics. I am friends with both people. They couldn't be further apart on the political spectrum. That doesn't mean they aren't friends, but events of late have made their posts stronger than usual, sort of underlining their differences. Both are crazy intelligent. Neither is going to be convinced by the other to come to the other side. I told her to snooze/not follow her friend for 30 days. The friend
would understand, because she was wise enough to accept their differences. Intelligent people learn to listen, learn to accept, or learn to tolerate other viewpoints. What they don't do is get angry, snarky, and critical and throw away friendships and professional relationships. In my house, we don't talk politics much anymore because of all the shades of
viewpoints. When it came up over dessert this holiday, I just got up and found something else to do. I didn't get mad at them, and they didn't get mad at me. Don't let the world sabotage your family, your friends, or your writing. To take the stance that those on the other side are idiots, and to get upset with them for not changing their minds when they are as entrenched as you are, makes you no less the idiot. You chat with people
who have open minds. You don't argue with those who don't. Keep the good stuff going with friends, relatives, and acquaintances. You don't have to agree on everything. And when the discussion gets contrary, leave it and go write. You'll feel better and keep the relationship in tact. Most relationships are precious in some way. Try not to throw them away. |
Every writer needs support to make their best work. But most tools and advice aren't made for real life. Rebel Yell Creative offers better: DIY tools, courses, coaching, and more. All neurodiverse-friendly, and based in one simple truth: art matters, today
and tomorrow. Start 2026 with the Creative Review and Reframe Workbook, free when you sign up at RebelYellCreative.com!
RACING FOR MEDIOCRITY
Some writers are using AI a tad much in their work. They may call it research, editing, etc., but it doesn't take long to slide across that line to using it for creativity. Maybe you're stuck on a page, on a plot point, on the middle of a chapter that
feels saggy. It's so tempting. After all, it's sitting right there. Maybe it's in your software program. Maybe you just sign into an AI app. Just this once you want to see if you can make your writing better. After all, who will know? Well, good for you. You just strived for the level of mediocrity. Do you want to read AI work? Do readers want to read AI work? Or would they
prefer something higher, more original, more creative that only a human could muster? Is that what you want to be known for? The level of AI? Or would you prefer being recognized for your own talent, and your own identity? Note an example I read from Seth Godin on the topic, "If the wedding photographer can’t deliver more magic than the phone in my guest’s pocket, no
thanks." The wedding photographer has to exceed that level of mediocrity that everyone has in their hands or they aren't worth hiring. The same level of judgment is coming for writers. In a recent missive I did about AI, someone replied angrily, stating they cannot afford to write without AI. They can't afford to hire an editor, sign up for courses, buy books on how-to-write, or promote. So AI was their tool. The sad part is if
they had tried to learn on their own, or taken courses, or read successful books, they just might have learned to write more originally and climbed a scale that AI would not have allowed them to do...because they settled for AI as their best. Sticking to AI puts a ceiling over your head. Doing without it gives you infinite opportunity.
Ready to set your 2026 writing goals? Join Kate Meadows on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 9 a.m. MT for a dynamic writing workshop where we'll hammer out your writing goals for the new year. You'll walk away with greater clarity around your 2026 writing, and you'll receive a personalized 2026 writing road map! In this workshop, you will: • Name 2 or 3 writing goals you want to accomplish in 2026 • Identify potential hurdles that stand between you and those goals • Brainstorm ways to overcome those hurdles • Walk away with a step-by-step plan for how to accomplish your writing goals for 2026 -Feb 10, 2026 - Book Club, Mt. Horeb Church, Lexington, SC - noon-2PM -Apr 15, 2026 - Book Club, Noon to 2 PM - Elgin, SC (members only) -June 4, 2026 - Chapin Library, Chapin, SC - 1-2 PM
Email: hope@chopeclark.com to schedule events, online or otherwise. "When I read great literature, great drama, speeches, or sermons, I feel that the human mind has not achieved anything greater than the ability to share feelings and thoughts through language." – James Earl Jones
Dear Hope, I have been meaning to write and thank you for the incredible service you provide to writers with your FundsforWriters newsletter. I'm a novelist and poet, and also work sometimes as a ghostwriter for Kevin Anderson and Associates in NYC. My schedule is packed and I have limited time to spend researching prizes and
grants. Yet thanks to your thoughtful listings of contests I've had the time and requisite information to pursue and enter a number of writing competitions here and in the UK. Over the last couple of years I've won several or placed as a finalist. I also find the articles you feature very helpful, such as the one this week by Dan Brotzel on self-created writing retreats. I've been practicing this method for many years, because it is often simply too hectic to write at home. Brotzel's article was inspiring and a good reminder to me to book at least one of these self-motivated retreats in the coming year. Anyhow, this is my long-winded and long overdue note of thanks to you! All the Best, Lenore Hart
https://www.lenorehartbooks.com/ <<If you have a success story you believe was prompted by FundsforWriters, please share with us! Send to hope@chopeclark.com >> Writing for NPOs and NGOs
By Alex J. Coyne
People often misunderstand not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). You might think that they don’t have a budget for expenditures, yet they
can be a rich writing market for grant writing, outreach letters, newsletters, and larger projects because they have funds to allocate towards their promotion and operation. What Are NPOs and NGOs? Charities and nonprofit organizations are groups that have been set up to serve a non-commercial purpose. According to the IRS, they are “exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literacy, educational, or other specified purposes”. These organizations can’t make a profit like corporations. However, NPOs and NGOs
still have an expenditure budget which they are allowed to allocate – collected through donations or their outreach programs, which can be used to run or promote the organization. Frankly, the more they collect, the more they have to spend, because they cannot make a profit. An NGO is any organization that operates independently from government, while an NPO also includes any registered smaller and community groups: yes, the terms can be interchangeable. What You
Write for Them Charitable and nonprofit organizations are often looking for: blog posts, newsletter content, advertising copy, and outreach letters. Some also have magazines or publications where profiles and interviews are a regular need. An NPO might need website and social media content, or business material like annual reports and white papers. Charities
and NPOs often seek grant writers and researchers. Proudly, I was asked to research companies which Jump Start Bridge could approach for funding. After this, I landed a job writing features for the American Contract Bridge League
Educational Foundational (ACBLEF) and their 2025 annual report (PDF). If you don’t ask, you won’t know, and the more connections you introduce yourself to, the better your chances. Where there’s something to say or promote, there’s something to write
about. Approach your Secretary of State, and check the National Council of Nonprofits for organizations that match your beat. Smaller organizations can be found by looking around your area or state. Larger ones can be searched for on databases like Guidestar and GlobalGiving. There are more than 1.5 million registered charitable and nonprofit organizations in the United States, a wealth of potential writing markets. Nonprofits can provide steady projects, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Cycle through your reliable contacts throughout the year. For example,
writing an annual report pays well, but happens once a year! However, there are full-time opportunities: Amnesty International, the American Red Cross, and many others advertise opportunities via their career pages, just like any business, corporation, or media group. They also post openings on regular job sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or Monster Jobs. Cold pitching rarely lands immediate gig; however, the moment you connect and make yourself known with an organization you might be the author they think of when the need arises. A short introduction tells them what you do, and why your experience can help them. Start with those you have a personal interest in or do outreach in areas you can relate to. NPO Legitimacy Any charitable or nonprofit organization has to be registered as such. For instance, registered organizations in the United States will have the code IRC 501(c)(3) along with a registration number. Those details are searchable. An organization might claim to be registered or provide what looks like a legit registration number. However, never take this information for granted, and I’m talking from
experience. While a resident at an assisted care facility, I was asked to write an outreach letter and “good review” – and realized that their registered information had been false. Refusing to author the review, I reported the organization to government and law enforcement. Suddenly what seemed like a standard care facility became a hornet’s nest of illegality under the surface. It was later closed, but I learned the lesson to always
check. (“Last Round for KZN Care Centre”, Sunday Times) The IRS has an organization search link on their website to give you peace of mind. Writing for NPOs saved my opportunities when freelance newspaper jobs declined. Writing for charitable and nonprofit organizations is a way to step outside traditional gigs and into a wealth of fascinating people and topics. Moreso, you’re
applying your writing experience to help further good causes. What could be better than this? About the Author: Alex J. Coyne is a journalist, author, and proofreader. He has written for an array of publications and websites, with a radar calibrated for gothic, gonzo, and the
weird.
ID 116854123 © Creativecommonsstockphotos | Dreamstime.com WOW! CREATIVE NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST
https://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php#EssayContest
$12 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 31, 2026. WOW! Women on Writing is seeking creative nonfiction on any topic (1000
words or less) and in any style, from personal essay and memoir to lyric essay and hermit crab, and more! The mission of this contest is to reward bravery in real-life storytelling and create an understanding of our world through thoughtful, engaging narratives. Open internationally. Limit 300 entries. 1st Place: $500, publication, interview, and gift code good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store. 2nd Place: $300, publication, interview, and gift code good for one item from CreateWriteNow's
Store. 3rd Place: $200, publication, interview, and gift code good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store. Seven Runners Up receive $25 Amazon Gift Cards, publication, interview, and gift code good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store. Ten Honorable mentions receive a gift code good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store. THE NATURE CHRONICLES PRESS PRIZE
https://naturechroniclesprize.com/
Deadline January 31, 2026. We are a biennial, international, English-language literary award proud to have established itself as a generator of stimulating, contemporary essay-length non-fiction on nature. The winner will receive £10,000 and five runners up £1,000 each. All six winning entries will be published in our third anthology. The competition
is open to any work of non-fiction prose between 2,000 and 8,000 words long on a topic the writer considers to be contemporary nature writing. BRISTOL SHORT STORY PRIZE
https://bssp.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/rules/
£14 ENTRY FEE. January 31, 2026. The 2026 Bristol Short Story
Prize is open to all published and unpublished writers. Entrants must be over 16 years old on the closing date, 31 January 2026. There is no geographical restriction on entry. Submissions must not exceed 4000 words not including the title. Headings, subheadings, and character names used to indicateperspective shifts are included in the word count. There are 250 free online entries available to those for whom the entry fee is a barrier to submission – for instance, those on low income or without
paid employment. Those wishing to enter using the free entry option may do so via our online entry facility. THE MASTERS REVIEW WINTER SHORT STORY AWARD
https://themastersreview.submittable.com/submit/341834/2025-2026-winter-short-story-award-for-new-writers-judged-by-jim-shepard-3-0
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline February 1, 2026. We’re looking for original, stellar stories that only you can tell, either fiction or narrative nonfiction, up to 6,000 words. Open to any writer who has not published a novel or memoir with a major press. The first-place winner will receive a $3,000 grand prize, while the second- and
third-place winners will receive $300 and $200 respectively. We publish all winning pieces online. STRINGYBARK OPEN SHORT STORY AWARD
https://www.stringybarkstories.net/competitions/open---open-award-2026.html
$15 (AUD) ENTRY FEE. Deadline February
1, 2026. This is an open-themed award although your short story must have a link to Australia (no matter how small and inconsequential – a passing koala is fine with us). Limit 1500 words. First prize A$500 cash + publication. Second prize A$300 cash + publication. Third prize A$150 cash + publication. Fourth prize A$50 cash + publication. GRANTS / FELLOWSHIP / CROWDFUNDING WHITING NONFICTION GRANT FOR WORKS-IN-PROGRESS
https://www.whiting.org/writers/creative-nonfiction-grant/about
The 2025 Whiting Nonfiction Grant for Works-in-Progress of $40,000 will be
awarded to as many as ten writers in the process of completing a book-length work of deeply researched and imaginatively composed nonfiction for a general adult readership. The 2026 application will be available in Spring 2026. Self-help titles, historical fiction, textbooks, books primarily for a scholarly audience, and books for young readers are not eligible. Submit the original proposal that led to the contract with your publisher and up to 25,000 words from your draft. JERWOOD ROYAL COURT COMMISSIONING SCHEME
https://royalcourttheatre.com/write-and-create/jerwood-royal-court-commissioning-scheme/
Deadline January 23, 2026. From 2026, the Scheme will award six annual grants of up to £6,000 each to underwrite
first payments for new play commissions, supporting UK-wide theatres and producers to back ambitious new playwrights. Awarded through joint proposals between a playwright and producing venue or company. Must be UK based. BOOKABLE WRITERS ROOM
https://quaywords.org.uk/take-part/bookable-writers-room
Location at Exeter Custom House, this is a free, bookable dedicated room for anyone who needs an inspirational environment to work on their creative writing, whether alone or in a small group. The space is equipped with a large writer’s desk with a view over the Quayside. Chairs and more tables can be added if needed. You are also free to browse our library of works by the fantastic writers who have been part of the
Quay Words programme. This space is available to book via quaywords@literatureworks.org.uk, please email your booking with a contact name and number, time and date requested, group size, and let us know what you’re working on! MISSOURI PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT FOR SCHOOLS
https://missouriartscouncil.mo.gov/professional-development-grant-schools/
Monthly deadline. We offer two grant tracks: Express Grants and Annual Grants. The maximum Express Grant award is $4,000. The maximum Annual Grant award is $40,000. Grant funds may be used to pay the presenter(s), to pay for the presenter’s travel expenses, and to purchase project-related materials and supplies as well as marketing materials. Funds cannot pay for equipment, food, beverages, awards,
or event tickets. Annual Professional Development Grants must be matched dollar for dollar. Teacher and administrator time may be used for cash match. MONTELLO FOUNDATION ASSOCIATED RESIDENCY PROGRAM
https://www.montellofoundation.org/pages/montello_apply.htm
Deadline
January 18, 2026. We are accepting national and international applications for these two-week residencies. There is no fee for artists to stay at the retreat, but artists are responsible for their travel expenses and for their meals. The Montello Foundation provides a solitary retreat where artists can experience the vastness of a desert landscape from a safe building, a “base camp” a unique space for inspiration and creation, a place that provides a shield from distractions in
the solitude of the Nevada desert. SELF
https://www.self.com/story/how-to-pitch-a-story-to-self
Since SELF is a health and wellness brand, we’re looking for stories that explore personal, community, or public health, ideally with a service element. When pitching us a
story, you should be able to answer the question: How is this helpful to the reader? Our core verticals and areas of focus include: health (health conditions, mental well-being, sexual and reproductive health, and sleep); fitness (exercise tips and explainers, workouts, gear, and sports); food (nutrition, home cooking, and recipes); beauty (hair, skin, nails, sporty style, and aging); love (sex and relationships of all kinds); and life (travel, money, career, home, culture, and entertainment).
Rates start at $450 for short and quick news stories, $500 for reported service stories, and $800 for features. UPLOADVR
https://www.uploadvr.com/how-to-pitch-articles-to-uploadvr/
As a leading voice across XR media, our goal is to deliver informative articles filled with
expertise, original reporting, fresh perspectives and other insights across VR/AR/MR. While the biggest stories and games will be covered by our internal staff, we're open to suggestions elsewhere, too. News - $50 (200–300 words). Previews/Impressions - $150 (500–700 words). Reviews - $250 (minimum 900 words). Review-in-progress - We pay an extra $60 minimum for a one-off update. This is negotiable depending on the scope. Features - Rates are negotiable due to how varied they can be, but we
start from a minimum rate of $175. Please note that feature pitches are not a current priority for us, though we'll still consider them. THE REAL NEWS NETWORK
https://therealnews.com/freelancers
At The Real News Network (TRNN), we are committed to working with independent journalists,
filmmakers, photographers, and media workers who bring depth, clarity, and justice-centered perspectives to their work. We pay fairly, set clear expectations upfront, and pay quickly upon publication. Short News Article / Dispatch 700–1,000 words $250–$400. Standard Reported Story 1,000–1,500 words $400–$600. In-Depth Feature 1,500–2,500+ words, often with original reporting, $600–$1,200. Investigative Series or Special Assignment, Multi-part or
deeply reported, $1,200–$2,000+. Op-Ed / Commentary 600–900 words, strong point of view, $200–$350. ZONING PRACTICE
https://www.planning.org/zoningpractice/guidelines/
The editors of Zoning Practice (ZP) welcome proposals from outside contributors, including those who may be
writing for the publication for the first time. Each edition of ZP includes one long-form feature article (4,000–4,500 words) on a single topic. ZP tries to maintain a clear, professional writing style that emphasizes trend analysis and practical recommendations. Standard payment for a lead article is $750. BAREFOOT WRITER MAGAZINE
https://www.thebarefootwriter.com/submission-guidelines
Barefoot Writer Magazine is committed to helping you learn to make money, work from home, and land freelance writing jobs to achieve your dream writer’s life. We pay $100 to $300 for published articles with the fee depending on the assignment. Once published, we own all rights to the article.
THE HISTORY PRESS
https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/pages/the-history-press
Publishing local history and culture from coast to coast since 2004. From narratives of local heroes and tragic losses to collections of homegrown recipes
or historic mysteries and everything in between, History Press books act as valued touchstones for community identity. ARCADIA CHILDREN'S BOOKS
https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/pages/arcadia-childrens-books
Arcadia Children’s Books (ACB) publishes engaging board
books, picture books, and chapter books that celebrate the places, people, and traditions that make each community unique. Our books are built for storytime, classroom connections, and joyful discovery—with strong ties to state history, local pride, and childhood wonder. Whether you're raising a reader in Texas, planning a lesson on North Carolina, or looking for a special gift from your hometown, ACB books help kids learn and grow through familiar settings and big ideas. APPLEWOOD BOOKS
https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/pages/applewood-books
Applewood Books, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing, has been exploring American history and culture for almost fifty years. Our diverse catalog has titles for all interests and age groups. Discover unique books of Americana,
from gift editions of the nation’s founding documents to lost classics, museum publications, seasonal titles and more. PELICAN PUBLISHING
https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/pages/pelican-publishing
Founded in 1926 in New Orleans, Pelican Publishing has spent a century
capturing the heart, soul, and stories of the American South. From iconic Louisiana cookbooks and cultural histories to classic children’s literature and regional biographies, Pelican’s catalog reflects the diverse voices and enduring traditions of the Gulf South and beyond. BELT PUBLISHING
https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/pages/belt-publishing
Belt was founded in 2013 to promote voices from the Rust Belt, and has expanded their focus to include smart narrative and serious nonfiction on any topic, as well as commercial fiction with a regional foothold. In 2023 Belt was acquired by Arcadia Publishing, where they remain an independent imprint.
Please forward the newsletter in its entirety. To reprint any editorials, contact hope@fundsforwriters.com for permission. Do not assume that acknowledgements listed in your publication is considered a valid right to publish out of ours.
C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036
http://www.fundsforwriters.com Copyright 2000-2025, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326 Our subscriber list is NOT made available to others. Use information listed at your own risk. FundsforWriters gives no warranty to completeness, accuracy, or fitness of the markets, contests, and grants although research is done to the best of our
ability. FundsforWriters finds open submission calls, contests, and markets from a wide variety of sources, including Erika Dreifus' Practicing Writer
newsletter, Erica Verrillo's blog, Authors Publish, Poets & Writers, Duotrope, Winning Writers, Write Jobs Plus, LinkedIn Jobs, Emily Stoddard, and other newsletters and online sites. Many announcements are submitted directly to FundsforWriters. All must be paying opportunities. Contests must pay a minimum of $200 first place. Submit potential listings to hope@chopeclark.com **Note that FundsforWriters.com places paid advertising in this newsletter. ALL ads are related to writers and the business of writing, screened by FundsforWriters to make sure the information is suitable for writers and their endeavors to improve their careers. While the mailing list is
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