CFAs: Recommender Grants for Writers (Canada)

Deadline: 15-Jan-2027

The Ontario Arts Council is inviting applications for the Recommender Grants for Writers program, which supports Ontario-based writers in creating new literary work and building stronger connections with publishers and literary organizations. Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 and can support artist fees and eligible research-related expenses. The program uses a third-party recommender model, allowing writers to apply to designated publishers and literary organizations that assess projects and recommend selected applications to the Ontario Arts Council for funding.

About the Recommender Grants for Writers Program

The Recommender Grants for Writers program is designed to help professional Ontario writers develop new literary work while strengthening relationships across the province’s literary sector. Through the program, designated publishers and literary organizations act as recommenders. Writers submit their applications directly to these recommenders, which evaluate proposed projects and recommend eligible writers for Ontario Arts Council funding. The program contributes to the development of new writing while creating stronger connections between writers, publishers, and literary organizations. Grant Amount Successful applicants can receive grants ranging from:

- Minimum grant: $1,500.

- Maximum grant: $5,000.

Funding is intended to help writers dedicate time and resources to the creation and research of new literary work. What Can the Grant Support? Eligible expenses can include costs directly related to the proposed literary project.

Funding may support:

- Artist fees for time spent creating the project. - Research-related travel. - Accommodation associated with research. - Purchases of research resources and materials. Applicants should ensure that requested expenses are directly connected to the proposed project. How Does the Recommender System Work? The program differs from a standard direct-grant application process because writers apply through designated third-party recommenders.

The process generally involves:

- The writer develops a proposal for a new literary project. - The writer submits applications to designated publishers or literary organizations. - The recommender reviews the submitted project. - Selected projects are recommended to the Ontario Arts Council. - The Ontario Arts Council provides funding to recommended applicants. This model helps connect writers with publishers and literary organizations while supporting the development of new literary work. How Many Recommenders Can a Writer Apply To? Applicants may apply to up to 10 recommenders per program year. A writer may receive recommendations from more than one recommender. However, total grants awarded during a single program year count as one grant toward the annual grant limit, rather than each recommendation being counted separately. Eligible Literary Genres Projects must focus on eligible literary genres.

These include:

The proposed work should clearly fall within one of the eligible literary categories. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the program’s professional and residency requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be residents of Ontario. - Have a recent professional publishing history. - Be individual writers rather than organizations or groups. - Propose a new literary project that meets the program’s genre requirements. Applicants must also demonstrate qualifying professional experience through one of the accepted forms of publishing or writing activity. Professional Publishing Requirements Applicants must have a recent professional publishing history, which may include: - At least one traditionally published book. - At least three paid published works. - At least three years of professional comics presentation. - At least two recent production writing credits for non-text media. These requirements are intended to ensure that applicants have an established professional writing practice. Who Is Not Eligible? The program does not support every type of applicant.

Ineligible applicants include:

- Organizations. - Ad-hoc groups. - Collectives. - Non-professional applicants. The program is intended specifically for eligible individual professional writers. Project Eligibility The proposed project must meet the program’s requirements for new literary work.

Projects must:

- Focus on an eligible literary genre. - Be undertaken by an eligible Ontario-based writer. - Represent new literary work. - Require funding for eligible creation or research activities. - Remain unfinished when grant results are received. A project that has already been completed before funding results are received is not eligible. Why the Program Matters The Recommender Grants for Writers program provides direct support for professional writers while also strengthening connections across Ontario’s literary ecosystem. By supporting artist time and research expenses, the program can give writers greater capacity to develop new work. Its recommender model also creates opportunities for writers to connect with publishers and literary organizations that can assess and support emerging projects. Tips for Applicants

Writers preparing an application should:

- Clearly describe the new literary work they intend to create. - Explain the project’s creative purpose and direction. - Show how the proposed expenses relate to the project. - Highlight relevant professional publishing experience. - Select recommenders whose literary interests and areas of work align with the proposed project. - Ensure the project is still in progress when grant results are received. - Keep research and travel expenses clearly connected to the proposed work. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Recommender Grants for Writers program? It is an Ontario Arts Council program that provides funding to eligible Ontario writers for the creation and research of new literary work through a third-party recommender system. How much funding can writers receiv