Writers & Artists FAQ - The Gay & Lesbian Review

General

What types of projects are eligible for the grant?

Any project aligned with LGBTQ+ scholarship or the arts, which means its primary focus must cover LGBTQ+ identity, experiences, or history. It may include discussions of race, class, disability, and similar topics but must focus on LGBTQ+ issues. Projects can include, but are not limited to, a research paper, thesis or dissertation, book, podcast, video, screenplay/performance, multimedia creation, or art installation.

At what stage of completion does my project need to be?

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

How many grants are being awarded?

Up to three gifts of up to $5,000 each are available.

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Emerging scholars, writers, or artists whose proposed project makes a contribution to LGBTQ+ scholarship or the arts are eligible to apply.

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, a personal connection/perspective does typically strengthen an application.

What counts as “emerging”?

Although this is a subjective matter, generally we consider people in the early stages of their academic or professional career emerging. Often this is someone in or recently out of graduate school, but that is not a requirement for eligibility.

If you are unsure if you qualify as emerging or not, we do still encourage you to apply.

Do I need to be a graduate student to apply?

Although past grant cycles have required applicants to be enrolled in a graduate program, the 2026 cycle is open to individuals who aren’t in graduate programs as well. The grant is still limited to emerging scholars, writers, and artists.

Are there any special requirements for joint applications?

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

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 the larger project in your proposal. This may involve exploring a specific aspect of your research, speaking on the importance/impact of your work, and/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. If your project is a thesis or dissertation, your article must be significantly different from your thesis/dissertation chapter(s) to ensure it is accessible to a wider audience.

Why do I need to include my address in my CV?

All applicants will receive a one year free subscription to The G&LR and we need a mailing address to send issues to.

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, compensation for interviewees, audio recording equipment, transcription software, art materials, exhibit costs, etc.

Can I ask for less than the full $5,000?

Yes, you can ask for a smaller sum. We ask you not to 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 $5,000?

No. However, if your project costs exceed $5,000 and you are funding these expenses through other means, we do want to see the full project budget.

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.

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.

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 to go into next year as some applicants may be undertaking long-term projects.

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

Joint applicants share all application materials except for CVs. Every applicants’ CV must be included in the application, but all materials may be sent by one of the applicants.

Do you require a letter of recommendation?

No.