+ Who can apply for aid?

Lampblack offers aid to any writer who identifies as black or a member of the black diaspora. Published writers and writers without any publications are welcome to apply. We support work in all literary genres, including poetry, prose and playwriting. Applicants must be 18 years of age and residents of the United States.

+ How does the process work?

Writers must submit their information on our Direct Aid page. Every other Wednesday one writer will be selected from the application pool. Selections are made on an anonymous, random basis. Writers who are selected will be notified by email and will receive aid within three business days of confirmation. Writers who are not selected will automatically be eligible in subsequent weeks until the aid cycle ends.

+ Will I be asked to provide receipts or demonstrate a use of funds?

While we would love to hear how you use your aid, we do not require any proof. If you are selected to receive aid, we will ask that you verify your identity and submit a brief writing sample. We trust that you are Black and in need.

+ How often can I apply?

We offer aid in three-month cycles. This means that writers need only apply once every cycle. We will keep your information in our system and you will be eligible for selection every week until a new cycle begins. The dates of each cycle are listed on the Direct Aid page.

+ Does Lampblack offer more than $100?

We currently have enough funding to offer $100 to one writer every other week for the remainder of 2023. We are currently raising money on ioby to extend our aid offerings. The more money we raise, the more money we can give away. Please spread the word!

+ I’ve already received aid. Can I apply again?

Due to limited funds, we ask that writers who receive aid apply again in the next three-month cycle.

+ Will my information be kept private?

Lampblack will not share any applicants information with any individual or organization outside of Lampblack. If you would like us to remove your information from our system, please email aid@lampblacklit.org.