Grant Size: $500 to $1,000
Application Deadline: January 15
Background
Martin Dibner was an author of numerous books, including novels and thrillers, on subjects ranging from the Maine coast to World War II. He served on both the Maine and California arts commissions, and was the first director of the Joan Whitney Payson Gallery at Westbrook College. Mr. Dibner was a delightful person with a wide range of friends, who worked with many nonprofits and especially encouraged the development of young writers. Upon his death in 1991, several of Mr. Dibner's friends created this memorial fund to continue the spirit of his interests.
Evaluation Criteria
The Martin Dibner Fellowship is given to promising Maine writers who have not published a full-length book. Fellowships are meant to help further writing skills and experience. Attendance at writing workshops is the primary purpose for support; assistance with living expenses while finishing a writing project will also be considered. The fellowships do not support the purchase of computers or printing/publication expenses. Recipients will be selected in order of the following priorities: quality of work and financial need. In even years the award will go to writers of fiction and in odd years to writers of poetry. For the past several years, around $1,500 has been available; judges decide how this sum is distributed (to one writer or several).
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be residents of the state of Maine.
- Applicants may not be a member of the Awards Committee or a member of the immediate family of a committee member.
- Preference will be given to applicants who have not received an award in the past 12 months.
How to Apply
Applications must include the following:
- A one-page summary of the project for which you are applying, including its relevance to your writing and the results you hope to achieve. Please include your name, address, phone number, title of submission and social security number on the project summary.
- Income and expense budget for the project. If you are requesting aid for living expenses while writing, please include a monthly budget. Include any other fellowships or scholarships received toward your project.
- Resume, including list of published works.
- A writing sample: typed 5-7 page single-sided, space and a half, manuscript (please no names on the manuscript).
Mail your application to:
Martin Dibner Fellowship Fund
Maine Community Foundation
245 Main Street
Ellsworth, ME 04605
We will not accept applications via fax or e-mail.
When to Apply
Applications are due in the MaineCF office no later than January 15. Applicants will be notified of the final decisions in late March.
Contact
For more information about the Martin Dibner Fellowship for Maine Writers, please contact Carl Little via e-mail or by phone at (877) 700-6800.