Horror Writers Association Opens 2025 Diversity Grants
The HWA Diversity Grants: Now Open
The Horror Writers Association (HWA) has opened applications for its 2025 Diversity Grants, designed to support underrepresented voices in the horror genre. Writers, editors, reviewers, and even library workers who are passionate about horror are encouraged to apply.
The HWA defines diversity broadly—embracing differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and neurodiversity. The aim is to break down the barriers—often invisible—that limit the amount of horror fiction and non-fiction being published by diverse creators.
Grant Details
- Number of Grants: Four guaranteed, with potential for more depending on donations.
- Value: $500 each.
- Spending Period: Funds can be used within two years of award.
- Eligible Expenses:
- Physical or online writing courses
- Textbooks and reference materials
- Registration and/or travel fees* for writing festivals with relevant programming
- Registration and/or travel fees* for one horror genre convention per year
- Subscription fees for appropriate periodicals
- Meals (up to $50/day while traveling)
*Travel fees include accommodation, airfare, bus fare, and car rental.
Note: General college tuition is not eligible.
Eligibility
Applicants do not need to be HWA members. The selection committee will assess:
- How the applicant meets the grant’s definition of diversity.
- Financial need.
- Potential career benefit from writing-related education or opportunities.
- Commitment to horror as a genre.
- Likelihood of contributing to the growth and readership of horror.
Application Requirements for the HWA Diversity Grants
The online application form includes:
- Personal Information – name, address, email.
- Introductory Letter/Need Statement – maximum 500 words explaining why you qualify and how you will use the funds. For help crafting a clear and concise letter, see how long a cover letter should be.
- Financial Plan – 250–500 words with a detailed breakdown of anticipated expenses (must meet or exceed $500). If you’re unsure how to structure this section, you might find these five key points to check before writing your statement of purpose useful.
- References – two references confirming your involvement in the horror genre, with contact information.
Timeline
- Opens: August 1, 2025
- Closes: October 1, 2025
- Submit applications via the official online form.
- Direct questions to scholarships@horror.org, but check the FAQ first.
About the HWA Diversity Grants
The program is part of HWA’s annual scholarships and grants initiative. Each recipient gets two years to use the funds for eligible expenses aimed at advancing their horror-writing career. The sub-committee may decline to award grants in years when applications do not meet standards.
If you want to support the initiative but not apply, you can donate to the Diversity Grants.
