Evolving Our Work

As the Poetry Foundation continues embodying its role as a grantmaking organization, we are gradually shifting away from presenting and producing poetry programs. This shift in priorities is in recognition of the efforts of the many literary organizations that serve their communities, and our intention to invest in their ability to deepen that work. As such, the Foundation is committed to directing our resources to support the broader poetry ecosystem and to strengthen the field of poetry through philanthropy. One example of how this goal is being realized is the recently announced Literary Arts Fund, a coalition of philanthropic organizations pooling financial resources to increase funding for the essential—and yet critically underresourced—nonprofit literary arts field in the United States.

The literary arts remain deeply underfunded across the United States, and support for poetry is even less robust. Grantmaking enables the Poetry Foundation to direct financial resources to organizations that amplify poetry and celebrate poets nationwide. Our grantee-partners offer fellowships, retreats, and residencies for poets; host poetry events and book festivals for all ages; lead workshops in schools and community spaces; and publish poetry collections and magazines. In doing so, they cultivate poetry in their communities more completely than we can—all at a time when access to art and free expression are increasingly at risk. We are honored to support this work and the organizations that make it possible.

We are proud of the Foundation’s more than two decades of public programming. It has been a privilege to connect with vibrant, engaged audiences in Chicago and beyond, and we are deeply grateful for the bonds that have been forged and the art that has been created as a result. Yet we also know that poetry programming does not end with us. Our grantee-partners are carrying these efforts forward in 42 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

In 2026, we will gradually phase out Foundation-produced programs, starting with adult education programming, which includes our Forms & Features workshops and the Library Book Club. We recognize that these changes may be disappointing, and we appreciate your understanding and continued support during this time of transition. To stay informed about future announcements, new poetry content, and opportunities, we invite you to subscribe to the Poetry Foundation Weekly Newsletter.

Yours in poetry,

Michelle T. Boone

Poetry Foundation president & CEO