Writers’ Trust of Canada has created a new grant program to support working poets of modest means.

In the first year, the DC Reid Poets’ Grant, established by an author, will support eight writers from across the country. Recipients will be selected by a jury of three poets. Grants of $5,000 will be awarded anonymously.

To be eligible, a writer must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada, have at least two published books of poetry with a traditional publishing house, be actively working on a literary project of poetry, and have earned less than $30,000 from all income sources in the previous tax year. The deadline for the application this year is August 21.

DC Reid has published 16 books, including eight collections of poetry, a novel, two works of literary nonfiction, and five books on fly fishing. His poems have been translated into eight languages, and his stories and poems have been published in magazines around the world.