Thanks to the generosity of Middlebury College and also many donors and former Bread Loafers who have contributed, Bread Loaf is able to offer substantial financial aid to writers at different levels of experience and publication. 

Financial aid is awarded in recognition of published work or literary promise, and financial need has no bearing on our decisions, except as noted. Awards must be used in the year they are granted.

Writers are invited to apply to the conference at three general levels—Contributor, Scholar, or Fellow.

Contributors

Contributors are strong writers with a range of experience but see themselves as in the early stages of their literary careers or as ongoing learners of the literary arts. Though some may have a literary background and/or MFA, some may not, and many at this level will not have started publishing yet in magazines and periodicals, though some may have a publication or two in place or forthcoming. Writers with significant publication in journals are encouraged to apply for a Scholarship, as they may be considered overqualified for a Contributor Award.

Learn more about the contributor financial aid category.

Scholars

Scholars are writers who have begun to distinguish themselves by publications in literary journals and magazines or by other prizes, fellowships, or awards. Scholars see themselves as emerging writers who would still benefit from participating in the workshop with work-in-progress. Some scholars will have published in a few magazines to date while others will be further along with a list of publications and prizes in place. Scholars should not have a book accepted for publication or already published.

Learn more about the scholar financial aid category.

Fellows

Fellows are writers who have published their first or second book within the past four years. They assist a faculty member in workshop and do not have their own work reviewed.

Learn more about the fellow financial aid category.