Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association Professional Developmental Grant

It is the vision of the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association (CSFFA) to promote and showcase Canadian writers of science fiction, fantasy and all it’s sub genres and to also support writers in a process of education and growth. To further support that vision we are proud to announce the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association Professional Developmental Grant.

This grant is to enable CSFFA members to pursue education and professional development that helps them expand their skill set. We will be awarding a total of $2,500.00 over the year to new writers, writers new to the genre or writers changing focus, for example short story to novel.

This Grant will be awarded to a successful applicant or applicants to cover up to 75% of the cost of developmental avenues such as:

  • Courses
  • Retreats
  • Writing software
  • A book coach or editorial fees for their first book

There will be two submission windows in 2024. The first is January 1st to March 31st, with funds awarded by May 15th and June 1st to August 31st with funds awarded by Oct 15th. NOTE: For 2024 we have extended the submission date to September 30th.

Funds will be distributed at the discretion of the Board and based upon applications submitted per submission windows until the full amount of the grant is paid out. Any unawarded funds will be distributed at the discretion of the Board or rolled over into the next grant year.

Successful applicants will be contacted by CSFFA and an announcement will be made on our website, newsletter, and/or during the Aurora Awards.

All decisions by the CSFFA Board are final.

Application Submission Guidelines

  1. Applicants must be members of CSFFA in good standing.
  2. Current Board Members or family members of the selection committee are not eligible for this grant.
  3. Former Board members must have vacated their position for a minimum of one year prior to application.
  4. Must be a new writer or new to the genre of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative fiction, or any subgenres of these main genres.
  5. Must be unpublished or have publications that are less than 50 copies in speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, or any sub genres of these main genres.
  6. Contact Information
  7. If awarded, the applicant is asked to submit upon completion a 500-word description on the results and experience of the endeavour. The applicant must also be in agreement that their name and or photo will be used on the website, newsletter or both.
  8. A 1,000-word proposal is to be submitted detailing the following:
    • What the endeavour is, along with a description and weblink
    • A timeline for the endeavour (must be less than one year)
    • Expected results from the endeavour
    • A short bio

Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 MT on the last day of each submission period. Any late submissions will be automatically transferred to the next submission period for consideration.

Submission of applications are to be made to PublicityCSFFA@gmail.com