2026 Whiting Nonfiction Grant for Works-in-Progress
The Whiting Foundation
Who can apply
Whiting welcomes applications for works of history, cultural or political reportage, biography, memoir, science, philosophy, criticism, graphic nonfiction, and personal essays, among other categories. The work should be intended for a general, rather than academic, adult readership. Self-help titles, historical fiction, textbooks, books primarily for a scholarly audience, and books for young readers are not eligible.. Projects must be under contract with a publisher in Canada, the UK, or the US by May 31, 2026, and a fully executed contract must be uploaded with the application. Contracts with self-publishing companies are not eligible.. The application window is now open and closes at midnight of May 31, 2026. All materials, including letters of recommendation must be received by 11:59pm Eastern Time on this date; incomplete applications will not be considered. We strongly advise applicants to contact referees as early as possible and encourage the timely submission of their letters.. If you have any questions about the eligibility of your project or the application process, please contact the Whiting Foundation at info@whiting.org.
About this opportunity
The 2026 Whiting Nonfiction Grant for Works-in-Progress of $40,000 will be awarded to ten writers completing a deeply researched and imaginatively composed book-length work of nonfiction for a general adult readership. The grant supports multiyear projects at a crucial mid-process stage, after substantial progress has been made but before the final work is complete, when additional support can meaningfully shape the final work. The program’s objective is to foster original, ambitious projects brought to the highest possible standard. Whiting welcomes applications for works of history, cultural or political reportage, biography, memoir, science, philosophy, criticism, graphic nonfiction, and personal essays, among other categories. The work should be intended for a general, rather than acad...