The Writers’ Trust of Canada, The Writers’ Union of Canada, and Royal Bank of Canada have joined forces to launch a relief fund with an initial amount of $150,000 that will provide support to professional authors affected financially by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The fund will distribute grants in amounts of $1,500 to writers that have seen contracted or projected income evaporate due to the current public health crisis. Applications are open to professional writers who meet the eligibility criteria, which includes matching minimal publishing thresholds in the last five years as well as detailing a total loss of income that exceeds the grant amount.

A successive round of application will follow later in the month of April, and subsequent rounds will follow as additional funds are obtained. In addition to seeking large-scale funding partners, program partners welcome donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations who are interested in helping mitigate this crisis for Canadian writers.