UPPAA Regional Grants Program 2026

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The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association wants to expand its programming to encourage regional networks among writers, aspiring authors, and others in the publishing industry. The UPPAA 2026 Regional Grants Program will offer grants up to $300 to UPPAA members willing to volunteer to organize such programs.

The grants application deadline for 2026 has passed. Grant awards will be announced by mid-August.

What’s Eligible?

Examples of eligible programs might include:

Open mic night for local writers and authors, partnering with a local bookstore, coffee shop or other business.
Panel discussion at a local library with a group of authors talking on a theme, such as the writing process.
Events that focus on young writer development
Storytelling contest at a local venue, with prizes
Writing workshop or talk on how to get published
Regional writers’ circle that will meet regularly to provide support for each other

Guidelines and Rules

Only UPPAA members are eligible for a grant. We encourage you to work with other members, local writers, creatives, businesses, or organizations to develop your program.
Preference will be given to programs that align with UPPAA’s mission, broaden UPPAA’s geographic reach, and offer creative opportunities to improve and/or promote U.P. literature.
The event must be consistent with UPPAA’s mission to promote U.P. literature, and not just one or two authors. For example, a single-author reading would not qualify for a grant. If you are planning a panel discussion or workshop, we encourage you to involve multiple authors/speakers, as time and space allow.
Events must have an educational or literary purpose. Books can be sold at your event, but book sales should not be the sole or primary focus.
UPPAA must be listed as a sponsor or co-sponsor of the event. UPPAA’s brochures should be on display. UPPAA will provide talking points to share with the audience about joining UPPAA.
UPPAA funding can be used for expenses such as room rental, advertising, food, soft drinks, printing, supplies or prizes.
UPPAA funding cannot be used for alcohol or to pay a UPPAA member for their time.
Grantees will be required to report back on what happened at their event, how many attended, etc. Please take photos that can be shared through UPPAA’s communications channels.