Regional Awards with Summer 2005 Deadlines

There generally aren't a large number of contests with summer deadlines, but several states -- Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wyoming -- are currently accepting applications for fellowships and grants. The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation awards grants ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 to Maryland fiction writers; submit up to 25 pages of fiction by July 28.The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Career Development Grants of up to $1,000 are designed for northeastern Minnesota writers (specific counties available on the website) to take advantage of a specific arts opportunity, such as a conference. (Deadline July 29.) Ohio fiction writers may submit 20-30 pages of prose by September 1 to the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Awards, which range from $5,000 to $10,000. Finally, the Wyoming Arts Council awards two Blanchan/Doubleday Memorial Awards of $1,000 each; Wyoming writers may submit 25 pages by August 8.

For most contests, writers must be at least 18 years of age and not currently enrolled in a degree program. Each has different residency requirements; see the website for these and other specifics. The great thing about these awards is that they're all free, so if you qualify, do take advantage.