AUSTIN, Tex., July 12, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, will receive funding from the Poetry Foundation. This is the nonprofit’s second year receiving funding from the foundation.

“Poetry is one of the most declarative ways that Black women voice themselves,” said Torch founder and executive director, Amanda Johnston. “Receiving funding from the Poetry Foundation allows our poets to continue writing and publishing their truths and experiences.”

The Poetry Foundation grant will support Torch Features, ensuring that all published writers are paid professionally; funding to sustain full-time and part-time staff; and funding to continue our yearly programming including the Wildfire Reading Series, annual Torch Retreat, and much more.

The Poetry Foundation’s relationship with Torch has been an impactful grantee-partner relationship, as highlighted in the Poetry Foundation’s recognition of Torch in their recently released article. Torch is one of around 50 nonprofits to receive funding from the 2024 grant cycle from over 200 applicants and one of just two recipients from Texas. 

Keeping their promise to equitable giving, Torch is one of nearly 40 of the BIPOC-led nonprofit grant recipients. The Poetry Foundation has donated over $6.3 million to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations including literary presses and magazines since the inception of their grantmaking initiative in 2022. More than 60% of the organization's grantmaking goes to operational support, and nearly 60% of giving directly impacts diverse nonprofits.

You can read more about the Poetry Foundation’s 2024 grant cycle in their press release here.

About Torch Literary Arts

Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats.

Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today.

About the Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Foundation recognizes the power of words to transform lives. The Foundation works to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry. Follow the Poetry Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Media Contact Information:

Brittany Heckard

Communications Associate

bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org 

(512) 641-9251