In the space of the literary arts, few funding opportunities offer the same flexibility, trust, and potential for capacity building that general operating support grants do. In recognition of the fact that funding a nonprofit poetry organization requires more than program grants, the Poetry Foundation offers its flagship General Operating Support (GOS) grant to help poetry-centric nonprofits, presses, and literary service organizations build stronger organizational infrastructures. In this blog, we will examine what the GOS grant is, who is eligible, how to apply, and tips for building a compelling proposal in the competitive world of funding poetry.
What Is the General Operating Support Grant?
The Poetry Foundation's General Operating Support program is an unrestricted funding program that helps build organizational infrastructure, capacity, and sustainability. Unlike program grants, the GOS grant focuses on the "backbone" of the organization that makes its day-to-day activities possible.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The funds awarded by the GOS grant can be used to support the following organizational needs:
- Salary and benefits for existing staff
- Rent, utilities, and other facility expenses
- Technology infrastructure, online platforms, and software
- Administrative expenses, marketing, and fundraising
- Hiring new paid positions
- General operating expenses such as legal, accounting, and technical support
Grant Size, Cycle & Timeline
- Grant awards range from $10,000 to $75,000 annually
- Grant recipients have 12 months to utilize the funds
- For the 2025–2027 grantmaking strategy, the Poetry Foundation will have one annual application cycle
- Applications open in June, close in mid-July, and award decisions are announced by September 30
- The grant period runs from October 1 to September 30 the following year
This information helps applicants understand the scope of funding and the timing of the application process.
Strategy Shifts & New Cohorts
The Foundation is launching another cohort of Sustainable Futures Grants. This is a multi-year general support grant program for prior grantees to deepen support and long-term stability. It complements the GOS program and reflects the Foundation’s growing emphasis on sustained investment in established poetry organizations.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Foundation’s focus is to support organizations deeply rooted in the poetry field. Key eligibility requirements include:
- The applicant must be a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) based in the U.S. or U.S. territories
- The organization must have completed at least one full fiscal year of operations
- Poetry must be central to the applicant’s mission (e.g. poetry presses, literary services for poets)
- Literary service or membership organizations supporting poets may be eligible
- Presses/publications that prioritize publishing underrepresented poets or feature a high volume of poetry content
- The operating budget must be at least twice the requested grant amount
Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status may apply through a fiscal sponsor, provided the sponsor is a qualified nonprofit with a formal agreement (e.g. MOU).
The Poetry Foundation does not fund:
- Individuals
- For-profit organizations
- K–12 schools, colleges, or universities
- Organizations primarily focused on youth younger than high school
- Literacy-only organizations not centered on poetry
- Endowment campaigns or capital improvements
- Commercial ventures or religious organizations
These criteria help protect the mission and focus of the poetry ecosystem.
Why This Grant Opportunity Matters
Trust & Flexibility for Core Work
Unlike project grants, GOS grants are unrestricted. This gives organizations the flexibility to invest in core infrastructure and staffing which are essentials that often go unfunded.
Stabilizing Capacity in a Volatile Funding Landscape
Smaller literary organizations, such as presses and poetry programs, often operate in uncertain financial conditions. A GOS grant can provide the stability needed to weather challenges and build long-term resilience.
Field Strengthening & Ecosystem Support
By supporting nonprofit poetry organizations across the country, the Poetry Foundation helps strengthen the broader literary ecosystem by preserving diverse voices, community spaces, and publications.
Elevating Underrepresented Voices
In recent cycles, most GOS grants have gone to organizations led by or serving historically marginalized poets. This approach helps rebalance representation in publishing and literary arts.
Launching Multi-Year Supports
The Sustainable Futures cohort signals a move toward longer-term investment. For past grantees, this means an opportunity to deepen their impact without reapplying each year.
Tips for Crafting a Competitive Application
To improve your chances of a successful proposal, consider the following:
- Clearly define your poetry focus: Demonstrate that poetry is central, not peripheral, to your work
- Connect operational needs with impact: Show how core support will improve your reach or programming
- Use strong financials: Ensure your operating budget exceeds double your grant request and include audited statements
- Tell your story: Use narrative and data to highlight past success and future goals
- Show your sustainability vision: Discuss growth strategies, revenue diversification, and long-term planning
- If applying with a fiscal sponsor: Confirm their capacity and submit a formal sponsorship agreement
- Plan ahead: Submit polished materials, meet all deadlines, and seek internal or peer feedback
- Engage your community: Include letters of support or examples of community impact where applicable
A Rare Opportunity for Growth and Sustainability
The Poetry Foundation’s General Operating Support grant is a rare and powerful opportunity for poetry organizations seeking to build resilience and scale their impact. If your organization meets the eligibility criteria and has a clear poetry mission, this grant could be a vital source of long-term support.
For more information and application details, visit the Poetry Foundation’s grant page and explore all of their grants opportunities on their website.
