Ilgenfritz Scholarships

Elizabeth Ilgenfritz was a longtime member of the MWPA. An avid reader and dedicated writer, Ilgenfritz was the author of Anne Hutchinson (American Women of Achievement series) published by Putnam and was working on a young adult novel entitled “Bark” at the moment of her untimely death in late 2016.

To honor Ilgenfritz’s passions and writing life, two annual scholarships were established in her name in 2017. One scholarship is for a female high school student who lives in Maine to attend the Longfellow Young Writers’ Workshop at the University of Maine at Farmington each July. The second provides a $1000 grant to writer who is 18+, is female-identifying, and lives in Maine to attend a writing conference of their choosing in the coming year and is given out in September.

Ilgenfritz Scholarship to Longfellow Young Writers’ Workshop

This scholarship supports one female high school student who lives in Maine to attend the Longfellow Young Writers’ Workshop at the University of Maine at Farmington each July.

For one week, scholarship winners will work in serious, yet supportive and fun, workshops led by professional, published authors such as (in past years) Lewis Robinson, Jeffrey Thomson, Gretchen Legler, Kristen Case, and others.

Interested applicants should apply through the Longfellow Young Writers’ Workshop by following the link above.

• Workshop fee for entire week

• All lodging and meals

Winners are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Scholarships are awarded based on a mix of a writing sample, demonstrated dedication to writing, and financial need. There is no application fee. The scholarship is valued at more than $675.

Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance does not administer this scholarship. Check details on the Longfellow Young Writers’ Workshop Website for details on how to apply. The 2024 application process closes on May 15, 2024.

• The scholarship is open to all current female high school students who live in Maine.

• Notification of scholarship awards will be sent via email.

• Questions: director@mainewriters.org

Ilgenfritz Writers’ Conference Scholarship Grant

This scholarship supports one writer who is 18+, identifies as female, and lives in Maine to attend a writers’ conference, retreat, or self-designed writing/research experience sometime in the coming year. At the time of the application, applicants should be able to identify the conference/retreat/experience for which they will use the funding.

• A $1000 cash grant toward conference fees and travel expenses, childcare, or other expenses that should be spelled out in the application materials.

• The scholarship is open to all current female-identifying Maine residents who are 18 years old or older.

• There is no application fee.

• The scholarships will be awarded based on a mix of a writing sample, demonstrated dedication to writing, statement of purpose, and financial need.

• Depending on the number and quality of submission, the MWPA may not award a scholarship.

• This grant will open for submissions in August, and notification of scholarship awards will be in September.

Please read carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Your submission will consist of a brief application form, a statement of intent/need (up to 1,000-words), and a work sample.

• No email or mail submissions will be accepted.

• Submissions must be made via Submittable.

• Receipt of applications will be confirmed via email.

Submissions will open on September 1st and will close on September 30th, 2023.