Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships

Name: Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships

Award Amount: $27,000 each (5 awards annually)

Information And Eligibility:
The Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships are among the most prestigious awards available to emerging poets in the United States. Administered by the Poetry Foundation, these fellowships were created to recognize extraordinary poetic talent, support early-career authors, and provide recipients with the time and financial freedom to further develop their craft. Each year, five outstanding poets are awarded $27,000, making these fellowships one of the largest monetary awards available to young poets.

These fellowships are intended for poets who show exceptional promise but have not yet published a full-length poetry collection. They serve as a launching pad for emerging voices, offering poets the opportunity to focus on writing without the financial pressures that often accompany the early stages of literary careers. While the award does not require recipients to be enrolled in school, it is particularly beneficial for students in creative writing programs, English literature majors specializing in poetry, and poets working independently to build their body of work.

The Poetry Foundation evaluates submissions based on originality, artistic vision, technical skill, and the potential for future contributions to the literary landscape. Previous fellows have gone on to publish award-winning books, receive additional national honors, and teach in MFA programs across the country.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to U.S. residents aged 21 to 31.
• Applicants must not have published a full-length poetry collection prior to applying.
• Must submit original, unpublished work demonstrating talent, creativity, and potential.
• Ideal for poets studying English, creative writing, or related disciplines, though formal enrollment is not required.

Application Requirements:

• Submit 10 pages of original poetry, with each poem placed on its own page.
• Include a 250-word artist statement describing your goals, inspirations, and aspirations as a poet.
• Provide a brief biographical summary outlining academic background, publications, awards, workshops, and literary involvement.
• Complete the online fellowship application during the submission window.

Additional Details:

• Recipients may use fellowship funds at their discretion to support writing, education, travel, or creative development.
• The fellowship is highly competitive, receiving hundreds of applications annually from emerging poets nationwide.
• The award has a long history of identifying influential voices in contemporary poetry.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit polished, cohesive work that reflects their unique artistic identity.

Deadline: Opens in March; closes in April.

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