Poetry Foundation on COVID-19 Relief

CHICAGO April 23, 2020—At this uncertain time, the Poetry Foundation’s core mission, in direct support of poets, is to remain committed to our programs that serve an important source of financial support for poets, writers, and artists through contributor fees, honoraria, award prizes, and commissions.

The poetry and publishing communities are facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, and while we are uniquely positioned, we are still no exception. The economic downturn is causing a significant immediate impact and unknown long-term impact to the value of our endowment, our primary source of revenue to support publishing Poetry magazine and the organization’s mission and programs into perpetuity.

Despite the financial pressures, we are maintaining our programs, staff, and doing what we are able, which includes focusing our support close to home through the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund. While we are not able to make new commitments at this time, we will continue to assess the impact, and community needs on balance with our mission.