For young poets in the United States who dream of sharing their words with the world, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships can feel like a golden door opening into a bigger, brighter future. These fellowships are not just about money—they are about recognition, opportunity, and the freedom to create. Every year, they help emerging poets take time to focus on writing without the heavy weight of financial worries. For someone with talent and vision, this award can be life-changing.
What Are the Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships?
The Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships are among the most respected and generous awards available for young poets in the United States. Funded by the Poetry Foundation, they aim to recognize and support exceptional emerging poets between the ages of 21 and 31. Each fellowship comes with a substantial cash prize—currently $25,800—which allows recipients to dedicate more time and energy to their craft.
These fellowships were established in 1989 by philanthropist Ruth Lilly, who was deeply committed to nurturing literature and poetry. Over the years, they have become a mark of excellence in the American poetry community. Winning one signals not only that your work is good—it signals that it’s powerful, unique, and worth the attention of the literary world.
Why These Fellowships Matter
Poetry is beautiful, but it’s not always easy to make a living from it—especially in the early stages of a career. Many talented writers are balancing jobs, studies, and personal responsibilities, leaving little time to focus on writing. The Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships give young poets breathing room. With financial support, they can spend more time reading, writing, revising, and exploring new creative directions.
More than that, these fellowships open doors. Past winners have gone on to publish books, win other major awards, and teach at universities. The recognition from the Poetry Foundation can lead to invitations to speak at events, participate in workshops, and collaborate with other writers. It is not just a prize—it’s a stepping stone into the literary community.
Who Can Apply for the Fellowships
The Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships are designed for a specific group of poets—young, talented, and ready to grow. If you’re thinking about applying, here’s what you need to know.
Age Rules for Poets
Applicants must be between 21 and 31 years old at the time of the application deadline. This age range is important because the fellowship is meant to support poets who are no longer beginners but are still considered early in their careers. If you’re under 21, you can still work on building your portfolio for future applications. If you’re over 31, there are other poetry grants and awards that may suit your stage.
Who the Fellowships Are Meant For
These fellowships are open to poets who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. You do not have to be enrolled in a university or have published a book to apply. In fact, many winners have been unpublished at the time they received the fellowship. What matters most is the quality of your poetry and the originality of your voice.
What Kind of Poems You Can Submit
You can submit poems in any style—free verse, formal, experimental, narrative, or lyrical. The Poetry Foundation values originality, skill, and emotional impact. Whether your work is inspired by personal stories, nature, social issues, or pure imagination, what matters is that it is written with care and authenticity. Many successful applicants submit a small set of their best poems—each polished to perfection.
How to Apply for the Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships
Applying for the Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. Applications are typically accepted through the Poetry Foundation’s online submission portal. You will need to prepare a set of 10 pages of poetry, which can include multiple poems. Along with your poems, you will provide basic information about yourself, including your age, citizenship status, and contact details.
It’s a good idea to review previous winning poems, not to copy their style, but to understand the level of quality the judges are looking for. Make sure your poems are formatted neatly and free of typos. Applications are usually open for about two months each year, with deadlines in spring. If you miss the deadline, you’ll need to wait until the next cycle.
Past Winners and Their Stories
Over the decades, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships have recognized hundreds of poets who have gone on to make significant contributions to American literature. Past winners include names like Ocean Vuong, Natalie Diaz, and Danez Smith—writers whose work now appears in major publications and on university reading lists.
For example, Ocean Vuong received the fellowship in 2014, years before his award-winning novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous was published. Danez Smith, another recipient, has become a leading voice in contemporary poetry, known for performances that blend spoken word and page poetry. These stories show that the fellowship doesn’t just reward current talent—it helps build future literary leaders.
Tips to Make Your Poetry Shine
Winning a major fellowship like this is challenging, but there are ways to improve your chances. The key is to focus on quality, originality, and presentation.
Choose Your Best Poems
Do not send every poem you have ever written. Select the ones that represent your strongest work. Sometimes this means cutting out poems you personally love but that aren’t as strong technically. Remember: the judges are reading hundreds of applications—they will remember the work that is both well-crafted and emotionally engaging.
Keep Your Style True to You
It’s tempting to write in a style you think the judges want. But the best applications come from poets who write with their own authentic voice. Whether your work is playful, intense, minimalist, or lush, stay true to your natural style. Judges can tell when a poem feels forced.
Edit and Read Aloud Before Sending
Reading your work out loud can help you catch awkward phrasing, rhythm issues, or unintentional repetitions. Sometimes a line that looks fine on the page doesn’t sound right when spoken. This step can make the difference between a good poem and a great one.
Where to Learn More About the Fellowships
The official Poetry Foundation website is the best place to find up-to-date information on eligibility, deadlines, and submission guidelines. They also publish Poetry magazine, where you can read work by past fellowship winners. You can also explore writing organizations, poetry workshops, and MFA program bulletins, which often share announcements about the fellowship.
The Bottom Line
The Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships are more than just a financial award—they are a recognition of talent, a boost of confidence, and a doorway into the world of professional poetry. For young poets in the USA, they represent a rare opportunity to focus entirely on writing and to be part of a community that values creativity and craft. If you are eligible, take the time to prepare your best work and apply. This could be the moment your poetry career begins to bloom.
