WFWA Scholarships

The Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) has developed a scholarship program to help the organization achieve its mission.

We believe that women’s fiction heightens human connection, engenders empathy, and illuminates new perspectives. By consciously supporting all voices and providing tools and resources to rigorously develop craft, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association fosters successful careers, meaningful relationships, and the creation of resonant, diverse stories. 

All scholarship proceeds are funded through our annual auction. For more information about the auction, click here. 

Types of Scholarships

Retreat Scholarships: 
A total of 6 scholarships, three for each category listed below, are available for each retreat: 2025 WFWA Retreat West and 2026 WFWA Retreat East. Each retreat scholarship winner will be granted a maximum award of $2,000. This amount will be used to reimburse registration fees, hotel, and qualifying travel expenses. Food/Meals/Alcohol/Gratuity are excluded. 

Retreat Scholarships are awarded in two categories:

• WFWA members with financial need. These scholarships are intended for those who would not be able to participate without them.
• WFWA members who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and those with a disability who have been underrepresented in the publishing industry.
• PLEASE NOTE: You are not required to disclose any information that indicates your financial position or your protected, personal identity.  

Amy Sue Nathan "Write and Publish Your Book" Memorial Scholarship: In memory of Amy Sue Nathan, former WFWA member and a champion of women’s fiction, WFWA offers a matching scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to assisting members with the goods and services that help a WFWA member with their publishing journey. Open application windows will occur in May, September, and January. Full details of this scholarship can be found here.

Eligibility

Scholarships are only open to current WFWA members in good standing (current member through the retreat dates and/or use of service, no suspensions from any WFWA online or in-person spaces).

Members may only be awarded one WFWA retreat scholarship and one Amy Sue Nathan Memorial Scholarship within one calendar year. 

Please note that WFWA Directors, Trustees, Officers, Senior Managers or their family members, and members of the Selection Committee or their family members are not eligible for the scholarship.

Application Process

Applicants will use the links below to apply for scholarships. Applicants will be asked to submit a one-page essay that outlines their goals as a writer, where they are in their writing career, and explains how the scholarship will be beneficial to them.

Entries are judged anonymously.

Retreat West Scholarship Application 

Amy Sue Nathan Memorial Scholarship

THANK YOU to the following donors who generously helped to fund our scholarships in memory of longtime member, Amy Sue Nathan. 

 Browne & Miller Literary Associates