This fund was established by Sara Paretsky, to honor her friend, writer Dorothy Salisbury Davis, who was forever grateful for a monetary gift she received during a time of need that allowed her to get the college education that led to her writing life. This fund, established in her memory, aims to help fellow writers continue to create their art during a time of economic emergency. At the same time, we recognize we have members who are not writers and they too, are eligible to apply. We've also got a list of additional resources that may be helpful.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a member of Sisters in Crime for at least one year prior to the date of the application
  
  • Dues must be paid
  • Code of Conduct must be checked in your profile
  • Must be familiar with and adhere to the Mission, Vision and Core Values of SinC
• May only receive emergency funds every five years 
• Funds must be used for emergency purposes (childcare, utilities, computer needs)

Examples of qualified emergency expenses

• Laptop repair
• Childcare
• Utility bills
• Medical expenses
• Cell phone bill
• Rent
• Transportation
• Groceries

Examples of non-qualified expenses

• Travel
• Research trips or materials
• Books
• Conference fees

Range of Awards

$100-$1,000

Please be aware that the IRS requires we provide a 1099 for any award $600 and over.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You will hear back from the committee within two weeks of your application. Money will be distributed until the funding for the year is depleted.

All applicants must fill out the form and provide a brief narrative (100 - 500 words) outlining their emergency need. 

If the committee has questions, they will contact the applicant.

Decisions will be shared with applicants within two weeks of the close of the application periods. 

About the process

Applications are accepted and processed by a panel of Sisters in Crime members: authors with first-hand experience of the economic challenges faced by writers. All information is kept confidential.

If you do not receive funds with your application, you may reapply in six months.

Apply here.

Resources

If you do not qualify to apply for this grant, or are not funded, there are other emergency funds for which you may be eligible.

Pen America Writers Emergency Fund

Authors League Fund

American Society Of Journalists And Authors Writers Emergency Assistance Fund

Dramatists Guild Foundation Emergency Grants

Writers’ Trust of Canada: Woodcock Fund

SFWA Emergency Medical Fund

The Haven Foundation Grants

Carnegie Fund For Authors

International Women’s Media Foundation

The Society Of Authors: Contingency Funds/Authors Emergency Funds

Royal Literary Fund

About Dorothy Salisbury Davis

Dorothy Salisbury Davis (1916-2014) wrote 17 crime novels, three historical novels and many short stories. She was nominated for an Edgar Award eight times, served as President of the Mystery Writers of America in 1956 and was declared a Grand Master by that organization in 1985.

She served on the initial steering committee for Sisters in Crime. Sara Paretsky said that Dorothy Salisbury Davis' support proved crucial. "She was so respected by MWA members that she persuaded women like Mary Higgins Clark to join and she damped down some of the hostile fire we were getting from the mystery press."

Though her books are out of print, they are available as e-books.

Dorothy Salisbury Davis's NY Times obituary can be found here.

Her Wikipedia page is here.

Apply here