Grant Guidelines

For generations dating back over 200 years to the late 1700’s, prominent Kentucky authors have produced work good enough to have earned a place in the contemporary literary discourse of the time. As Mary Ann Taylor-Hall (Jim’s wife) said upon her induction into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame in 2023 “…We are Kentucky Writers here and people from other places have heard of us.” Our goal is for Kentucky writers to continue to be good enough to warrant a place in the contemporary literary discussion, recognized and acknowledged by people from other places.

Background

The James Baker Hall Foundation believes creating art is a sacred gesture, a vehicle to change lives and build communities. We celebrate the legacy of our past great Kentucky writers by investing in future Kentucky writers.

Our work is to create more space, more interconnected spaces, where community can happen, where art is made, where creativity is valued and character shapes the voice of Kentucky writers. We are an operating private foundation, which means that we not only provide grant funding but we also "get our hands dirty" by getting involved in the program delivery as well. This takes a distinct form in each situation depending on what is needed.

We welcome grant applications and inquiries within the parameters of our mission work. We will always consider viable applications seriously and regret the fact that we may not be able to respond favorably or completely to all opportunities. Our traditional grant provides up to $15,000 per year for a three-year period with reviews required to renew the grant each year.

We are collaborators, facilitators and operators, this encompasses half of our mission programming. We identify where good work supporting writers is already being done in the Commonwealth and help those doing it to do more of it! We are particularly interested in programs which actively target young writers and provide a path to community and mentoring for them. We approach any relationship with a long-term perspective, traditionally three years.

We are also committed to maintaining the standard of excellence, which is the cornerstone of literary accomplishment in Kentucky, this encompasses half of our mission programming. The James Baker Hall Book Award, granted once a year, is an affirmation of writing from an author which is good enough to stand alongside the work of past authors we see in the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame today.

Grant Submissions

We accept proposals at any time and commit to review and respond within 30 days of receipt. Our budget cycle is on the calendar year, and many of our initiatives operate on an academic calendar. We cannot guarantee when a grant will be awarded or when a program will be initiated.

Submissions: [email protected]

Guidelines Q & A:

How many times may my organization apply?
There are no limitations on the frequency of application.

What are the application deadlines?
We accept proposals at any time.

Is there a dollar limit per request?
No. James Baker Hall Foundation grants are typically determined by the scope of the project. However, grants range from $1,500 to 15,000

Are there a geographical boundary for grant recipients?
The Foundation supports programs that take place in the State of Kentucky.

Is my organization required to be a 501 (c)(3) designated charity?
Yes

What types of requests are considered?
Projects and programs that support writers.

What requests will not be considered?
The Foundation does not review requests from religious organizations for religious purposes or political entities.