The Hawthornden Foundation, a renowned literary philanthropic organization, has recently announced the allocation of grants to 49 nonprofit programs dedicated to serving readers and writers. These grants, totaling $350,000, are part of the Capacity-Building Grant Program initiated by the National Book Foundation in the United States. The selected organizations will receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support projects aimed at enhancing organizational capacity and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Hawthornden Foundation, established in 1983 by the British-American literary philanthropist Drue Heinz, has been instrumental in supporting various literary initiatives over the years. Drue Heinz, known for her passion for historic homes and writers‘ retreats, played a significant role in fostering a culture of literary excellence. Her contributions include the restoration of the Hawthornden Castle complex outside Edinburgh and the establishment of Casa Ecco, a writers‘ retreat at the Villa Maresi on Lake Como. Additionally, she published The Paris Review and co-founded Ecco Press, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary world.
The Capacity-Building Grant Program, made possible by the Hawthornden Foundation’s funding, aims to provide support to nonprofit literary arts organizations in areas such as fundraising, finance, marketing, skill-building, diversity initiatives, leadership development, and more. The National Book Foundation, chaired by David Steinberger, is dedicated to promoting reading, literary education, and contemporary American literature through various programs and initiatives.
Ellyn Toscano, the executive director of the Hawthornden Foundation, expressed delight in supporting the National Book Foundation’s capacity-building program, emphasizing the invaluable contributions of the foundation to the literary arts. Ruth Dickey, the executive director of the National Book Foundation, highlighted the diversity and impact of the 49 nonprofit organizations receiving grants, spanning across 22 states and Washington, DC.
The recipients of the Capacity-Building Grant Program include a wide range of organizations such as 826DC, City Arts and Lectures, Girls Write Now, Lighthouse Writers Workshop, and many more. These grants will enable these organizations to enhance their operational capabilities, expand their reach, and better serve readers and writers nationwide. The grant applications were reviewed by an independent panel and final decisions were made by the National Book Foundation in collaboration with its board of directors.
In conclusion, the Hawthornden Foundation’s support for the National Book Foundation’s Capacity-Building Grant Program underscores the importance of fostering a vibrant literary community and ensuring the sustainability of literary organizations. Through these grants, nonprofit organizations dedicated to promoting literature and literacy will be able to strengthen their impact and continue their valuable work in the literary landscape.