Writers & Artists FAQ

General

What kind of project is considered aligned with LGBTQ+ scholarship or the arts?

Projects must have LGBTQ+ identity, experiences, or history as their primary focus. This includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, intersex, queer, and two-spirit identities. We acknowledge some understandings of queer identity/experiences may not fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, especially non-Western/non-White experiences, and we encourage discussions of race, class, disability, and similar topics.

Do I have to be part of the LGBTQ+ community to be eligible?

No. Applicants must only demonstrate they are working on/proposing a project that contributes to LGBTQ+ scholarship or the arts. However, we acknowledge that a personal connection/perspective does typically strengthen an application.

How many grants are being awarded?

Two gifts of up to $7,500 each are available.

How many people typically apply?

For our 2024 grant, we received 120 applications. We expected a similar, or slightly higher, volume of applications.

Are there any examples of proposals available?

Yes! We have made the proposals of past grant recipients available here. Please note these only include the description of their project and article, and, in some cases, their bio. All other sections of the application (ie. timeline, budget, CV, etc.) have been omitted.

Eligibility & Requirements

What kind of program do I have to be enrolled in to be eligible?

Any Master’s (MA, MEd, MFA, MLA, MLIS, etc.) or PhD program is eligible.

I graduated recently/will be graduated by the time the grant is awarded. Am I still eligible?

Only students currently enrolled in a graduate program at the time of application are eligible.

If you have already graduated, you are not eligible. If you are enrolled when you apply but will have graduated when the grant is awarded, you are still eligible.

I am not yet enrolled in a graduate program but am currently applying to various programs. Am I still eligible?

No. Only students currently enrolled in a graduate program at the time of application are eligible.

Are there any special requirements for joint applications?

No. However, please check the Application Materials section of the FAQ for more details on joint applications.

Do all members of a joint application need to be graduate students?

No. Only one of the applicants must be a graduate student.

Are there any special requirements for international students?

No.

Application Materials

How detailed does my article proposal need to be? What topics are appropriate?

You must outline a strong idea for your article that is related to your larger project in your proposal. This may be exploring a specific aspect of your research, speaking on the importance/impact of your work, or discussing your creative process. It is important that you indicate an acquaintance with The G&LR and explain why/how your article would make a contribution to the magazine.

Note that The G&LR is not a scholarly journal but a bimonthly magazine for a general, albeit educated, readership. The article should not be a chapter from or version of a dissertation.

What stage does my project need to be at?

Your project can be at any stage, whether that be just starting, somewhere in the middle, or in the final stages.

What expenses are eligible for grant funding use?

Any expenses that directly or indirectly support the applicant’s project and/or G&LR article are eligible. Covering basic living expenses within the duration of the project, such as rent, utilities, food, etc., are included under these guidelines. Other eligible expenses include travel for research, compensation for labor, gifts for interviewees, laptop, audio recording equipment, transcription software, art materials, exhibit costs, etc.

Can I ask for less than the full $7,500?

Yes. We ask you do not attempt to make up the difference to meet the full grant amount. Please be forthright about your funding needs.

Can I ask for more than the full $7,500?

No.

How detailed does my budget need to be?

As detailed as possible. We encourage applicants to break down their budget into an itemized list or table and show how they are making their estimates whenever possible. For example, including a link to an audio recorder or research materials, referencing Google Flights for travel estimates, or using government per diem rates.

What is a budget narrative? How is it different from a budget?

While a budget is an itemized list or table of costs, a budget narrative explains and justifies those costs. It is a short paragraph that elaborates on how the costs will support the project and why they are necessary. This is also where you can explain unique circumstances as they relate to the budget to allow us to better understand why and how you made certain budget choices.

Are there maximum or minimum limits for the timeline?

An appropriate timeline would span 6-12 months from the grant being awarded to the article being completed. We expect some timelines may go into next year as some applicants may be undertaking long-term projects.

Should I disclose my wages as part of other funding sources?

No. Only fellowships, scholarships, and grants need to be disclosed as other funding sources.

Can I submit an unofficial transcript for the enrollment verification?

No. We require a signed letter from your university’s Office of Registrar confirming your enrollment. If this is not possible to acquire in a timely manner, we also accept a signed letter from your department/program head confirming your enrollment.

For joint applications, does every applicant need to submit their own materials?

Yes and no. Joint applicants share all application materials except for CVs and Biographies. Each applicant must submit their own CV and Bio. All materials may be sent by one of the applicants.

Do you require a letter of recommendation?

No.