The San Francisco Foundation/Nomadic Literary Awards offer 20 winning writers ages 18–25 $2,500 per recipient for outstanding work in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Applicants must currently live in either Contra Costa, San Francisco, or Alameda counties. The Nomadic administers these awards with San Francisco Foundation. Judges will be announced soon!
Invitations will be open March 15–April 15, 2025.
IMPORTANT RESIDENCY NOTE: While we completely understand that the costs of the Bay Area have displaced so many long-time residents, it is a requirement of the award that you currently live in one of the counties listed above. Proof of residency will be required if you are selected as a finalist.
Invitation Guidelines
Below, please find the guidelines for invitations. Note that if the guidelines are not followed, you invitation will not be considered.
- Name. Your name or any other identifying information should NOT appear on any of the pages
- Age: As of the date that you send us your invitation, you must be between 18–25 years old
- Residency. You must currently live in Contra Costa, San Francisco, or Alameda counties.
- Genre requirements. Your invitation for each genre can include the following: Poetry: 1–2 poems (maximum 3 pages) / Fiction: 3 pages max / Non-fiction: 3 pages max
Fiction/Non-fiction note: We understand that for fiction and non-fiction, in particular, 3 pages is a short snippet of what is often a much longer piece. We ask that you select what you consider to be the most powerful 3-page selection.
When will winners be announced?
By the end of April.
When will winners receive their award disbursements?
By the end of April. Note: a W9 will be required in order to receive the award.