In the first year, applications will be open until 9am on Wednesday 8 July 2026. The first cohort of successful applicants will be announced in October 2026. Applications will reopen for the second year in Spring 2027.

Organisations who apply must be UK-based and primarily focused on literature, reading or writing. This may include (but is not limited to): registered charities; Community Interest Companies (CICs); Arts organisations and collectives; Literary festivals; independent publishers; and not-for-profit presses. Individuals who apply must be writers, freelancers or literary practitioners able to demonstrate relevant experience and that they have the partnerships in place to deliver the literary project for which support is sought.

Literature organisations are eligible for both operating and innovation grants, and writers and freelancers are eligible for innovation grants. This programme will not be able to provide long-term funding, so projects must either be able to generate any necessary income or resources going forward or must be a one-off activity which can still make a meaningful difference to reading habits.

Applications will be assessed on their individual strengths using the advertised criteria. Final decisions may also take into account the importance of supporting a balanced portfolio of projects. This may include consideration of:

• Geographic spread across the UK
• Organisational diversity across the literary sector
• A range of approaches to engaging new readers

Potential applicants should review the assessment criteria and eligibility criteria. Applications must be made through the online form. To help with planning and accessibility, the application questions are available for viewing before you fill out the online form.