Earlier this month, the independent nonprofit publishing house Deep Vellum Publishing launched a statewide emergency fund for writers across Texas. The Deep Vellum Emergency Fund for Literary Artists awards grants of at least $200 to writers who are experiencing financial insecurity because of the coronavirus.
Executive Director and Publisher Will Evans said that 100 percent of the donations go directly to writers in need.
“So far, 50 percent of applicants report having an income of $15,000 or less, and 30 percent report being laid off from a second, non-literary job during this crisis,” Evans told the Advocate. “We’ve received applications from writers around the state, including all the major metropolitan areas and also rural areas.”
Applications remain open to writers through June 8. Evans hopes to aid as many people as possible and plans to open a second grant cycle later in the summer.
A gift from Deep Vellum board member Paul Wingo made the initiative possible, and Deep Vellum continues to grow the fund through partnerships with foundations, other donors and organizations like the Writers’ League of Texas.
If you would like to donate directly, click here.
If you are a writer looking to apply, click here.
