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The Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships


Name: Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships

Award Amount: $27,000 per recipient

Information and Eligibility:
The fellowships, administered by the Poetry Foundation, are awarded annually to exceptionally talented young U.S. poets. Established in 1989 by philanthropist Ruth Lilly and expanded in 2013 with a gift from the Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Memorial Fund, this prestigious award is among the largest for emerging poets in the United States. The prize is intended to give recipients the freedom to focus on their writing and professional development without the immediate pressure of financial constraints.
Eligibility criteria include:

  • Age Range: Applicants must be between ages 21 and 31 at the time of application.
  • Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
  • Writing Focus: Applicants must demonstrate a serious commitment to poetry—through publication, community contribution, or an active creative practice.

Application Requirements:

  • Completed online application via the Poetry Foundation’s fellowship portal.
  • A portfolio of original poems (typically up to 10 pages) in English, unpublished or previously published under controlled rights.
  • Résumé or CV summarizing the applicant’s education, publications and poetic engagements.
  • Statement of intent or cover letter describing how the fellowship will support the applicant’s development as a poet.

Selection Criteria:

  • Artistic excellence and originality of the submitted poetry portfolio.
  • Evidence of commitment to the craft of poetry and potential for future contributions to the field.
  • Readiness to use the fellowship support meaningfully—whether through work in progress, professional growth, community engagement or mentoring others.

Additional Details:

  • Each year, five fellowships are awarded. Finalists also receive smaller professional-development grants.
  • Recipients receive the award funds and are often invited to readings, professional events and networking opportunities through the Poetry Foundation.

Deadline:

  • March

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This Grant / Fellowship is tagged with the following criteria: English / March

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