Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize
Marie Ponsot is the 2013 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize recipient.
Read this poet's biographyAwarded annually, the $100,000 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize honors a living US poet whose lifetime accomplishments warrant extraordinary recognition. Established in 1986 by Ruth Lilly, the prize is one of the most prestigious awards given to American poets.
Fellowship
Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships
Five Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships in the amount of $15,000 will be awarded to young poets through a national competition sponsored by the Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry. Established in 1989 by the Indianapolis philanthropist Ruth Lilly, the fellowships are intended to encourage the further study and writing of poetry.
Children’s Poet Laureate
The Children’s Poet Laureate: Consultant in Children’s Poetry to the Poetry Foundation award is given to a living American writer in recognition of a career devoted to writing exceptional poetry for the young child. The award aims to raise awareness that children have a natural receptivity to poetry and are its most appreciative audience, especially when poems are written specifically for them. The Children’s Poet Laureate will advise the Poetry Foundation on matters relating to children’s literature and may engage in a variety of projects to help instill a love of poetry among the nation’s youngest readers. The length of the laureate’s tenure is two years and includes a prize of $25,000. The Children’s Poet Laureate will also give two major readings for children and their families, teachers, librarians, and friends over the course of the two-year tenure.
Announcements
October 8, 2008
J. Patrick Lewis Named Children’s Poet Laureate
Pegasus Award
Emily Dickinson Award
The Emily Dickinson First Book Award is an occasional award that recognizes an American poet over the age of 40 who has yet to publish a first book. In addition to publication and promotion of the manuscript by Graywolf Press, the winner will receive a prize of $10,000.
Announcements
May 17, 2012
Poetry Foundation Announces Winner of 2012 Emily Dickinson First Book Award
Pegasus Award
Neglected Masters Award
The Neglected Masters Award of $50,000 brings to the reading public renewed critical attention to the work of an under-recognized, significant American poet. If previously unpublished or no longer in print, the works of Neglected Masters are published in collaboration with the Library of America. Awards will be named annually or from time to time, as appropriate to maintain the prestige and quality of the prizes. No applications or unsolicited nominations are accepted.
Announcements
October 4, 2007
Poet Anne Stevenson Wins $50,000 Neglected Masters Award
Mark Twain Poetry Award
The Mark Twain Poetry Award of $25,000 recognizes a poet's contributions to humor in American poetry. The Award is given in the belief that humorous poetry can also be seriously good poetry, and in the hope that American poetry will in time produce its own Mark Twain. Awards will be named annually or from time to time, as appropriate to maintain the prestige and quality of the prizes. No applications or unsolicited nominations are accepted.
Announcements
October 8, 2008
Albert Goldbarth and Mary Ann Hoberman Win Major Prizes for American Poets
Randall Jarrell Award in Criticism
The Randall Jarrell Award in Criticism recognizes and rewards poetry criticism that is intelligent and learned, as well as lively and enjoyable to read. The prize is intended for criticism aimed at a large general readership rather than an audience of specialists. Awards will be named annually or from time to time, as appropriate to maintain the prestige and quality of the prizes. No applications or unsolicited nominations are accepted.
Announcements
April 14, 2009
Fanny Howe and Ange Mlinko Receive Major Literary Awards from Poetry Foundation
Verse Drama Prize
The Verse Drama Prize seeks to bring renewed attention to an under-recognized area of poetry. The prize will honor a living poet who has written a previously unpublished, outstanding original verse drama in English. The award recipient will receive a cash purse of $10,000 and a staged reading of his or her winning manuscript in Chicago. Awards will be named annually or from time to time, as appropriate to maintain the prestige and quality of the prizes. No applications or unsolicited nominations are accepted.
Announcements
October 4, 2007
Four Poets Receive Major New Literary Prizes
