The Whiting Foundation

The Whiting Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that supports literary fiction and poetry in the United States. Established in 1963 by Gerry Whiting, the foundation has been instrumental in promoting the work of emerging and established writers, including Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Michael Cunningham. The foundation's efforts have been recognized by organizations such as the National Book Foundation and the PEN American Center. With its headquarters in New York City, the foundation has been a key player in the city's vibrant literary scene, which includes institutions like the New York Public Library and the 92nd Street Y.

● History

The Whiting Foundation was founded in 1963 by Gerry Whiting, a philanthropist and supporter of the arts. Over the years, the foundation has undergone significant changes, with Daniel Reid and Courtney Hodell serving as key leaders. The foundation's early years were marked by support for writers such as John Cheever and Joyce Carol Oates, who were both recognized by the National Book Critics Circle. The foundation has also been involved in various literary festivals, including the Brooklyn Book Festival and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Additionally, the foundation has partnered with organizations like the Academy of American Poets and the Poets & Writers to promote literary magazines and small presses.

● Mission and Activities

The Whiting Foundation's mission is to support writers and foster a vibrant literary community in the United States. To achieve this goal, the foundation engages in various activities, including awarding grants to emerging and established writers, hosting literary readings and workshops, and partnering with organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The foundation has also been involved in initiatives such as the PEN World Voices Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival, which celebrate literary fiction and creative nonfiction. Furthermore, the foundation has supported writers who have been recognized by the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, including Jennifer Egan and Jonathan Franzen.

● Grant Programs

The Whiting Foundation offers several grant programs to support writers at various stages of their careers. The foundation's flagship program is the Whiting Writers' Award, which provides $50,000 to emerging writers in the fields of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting. The foundation also offers grants to support writers who are working on specific projects, such as the Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant. Additionally, the foundation has partnered with organizations like the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study and the MacDowell Colony to provide writers with residencies and other forms of support. The foundation's grant programs have been recognized by organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

● Notable Awardees

The Whiting Foundation has supported a wide range of notable writers, including Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Michael Cunningham. Other notable awardees include Jonathan Franzen, Jennifer Egan, and Claire Vaye Watkins, who have all been recognized by the National Book Critics Circle and the PEN American Center. The foundation has also supported writers who have been recognized by the Pulitzer Prize, including Annie Proulx and Richard Ford. Additionally, the foundation has supported writers who have been involved in various literary movements, including the Beat Generation and the Black Arts Movement. The foundation's awardees have also been recognized by organizations like the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

● Governance and Leadership

The Whiting Foundation is governed by a board of trustees that includes literary critics, writers, and philanthropists. The foundation's leadership has included Daniel Reid and Courtney Hodell, who have both played key roles in shaping the foundation's mission and activities. The foundation has also been advised by writers and literary critics such as Harold Bloom and Helen Vendler, who have been recognized by the National Book Critics Circle and the PEN American Center. The foundation's governance and leadership have been recognized by organizations like the Council on Foundations and the Foundation Center. The foundation has also partnered with organizations like the New York Community Trust and the Brooklyn Community Foundation to support writers and literary organizations in New York City.