HOW WILL YOU HELP CHANGE THE WORLD?

What stories do you have to tell? What stories do you want to hear from others? How do we make our stories matter?

Stories Matter Foundation was founded in 2018 to build communities of storytellers trained to question, explore, celebrate, and change their worlds using the power of story.

We do this through our scholarship programs and the Chicago Stories Project. Join us by making a tax-deductible contribution here.

See below for specifics campaigns dedicated to unique fundraising initiatives.

Chicago Stories Project

The Chicago Stories Project is the community engagement arm of Stories Matter Foundation. Encompassing our “classes on the road” framework, as well as library partnerships, scholarships, and sponsorships, the Chicago Stories Project works to amplify voices from underserved communities in Chicago and the region. 

Youth Summer Camp Scholarships

Every summer, we offer creative writing camps to young writers across the city. With our virtual offerings, we can offer them to students across the country! Your donation will help cover the full cost of attendance and bring a young writer to StoryStudio for one of our summer camps, designed to unleash the creativity and potential of young writers.

Scholarships for In-a-Year Programs

We have two scholarship funds for our year-long programs: Both are in memory of former students. Doro Boehme was a student in Rebecca Makkai’s Novel in a Year 2017 cohort. Dana Wood Chaney was a long-time member of the Studio and vital in its founding programs. These scholarships provide grants to inspired or emerging writers in our In-a-Year programs to create, publish, and change the world with their stories.

Writers Festival Scholarships

Our popular, annual Writers Festival sells out quickly but we save a number of spots for those who need financial assistance. Consider donating to help an aspiring writer attend panels lead by prominent authors.