Literary Program

Lannan Foundation established its Literary Program in 1987 to support the creation of exceptional poetry and prose written originally in the English language, and to increase the audience for contemporary literature. Between 2001-2024, we also offered grant support for the publication and dissemination of works translated into English.

Through its annual awards and fellowships program, the foundation honored and promoted writers and poets whose work reflects and challenges our understanding of the world. The Literary Program also made grants to nonprofit organizations engaged in creating, promoting, and widening the appreciation of literature.

The foundation has also produced numerous public literary events, the Readings & Conversations series, which features poets and writers reading and discussing their work. You can watch and listen to these events in our media archive here. Information about the Residency program can be found here.

Lannan Foundation is no longer accepting letters of inquiry in any of our grant-making programs. Unsolicited proposals and letters of inquiry will not be considered.