Fellowships available to Maine poets

ELLSWORTH/PORTLAND - Promising Maine poets seeking to develop their writing skills are encouraged to apply for a Martin Dibner Fellowship through the Maine Community Foundation. One or two grants in the $500 to $1,000 range will be awarded. Applications are due at the foundation no later than January 15, 2011. For guidelines, visit www.mainecf.org or call toll-free 1-877-700-6800.

The Dibner Fund supports enrollment in workshops and, secondarily, helps cover living expenses while finishing a writing project. The fellowship alternates year to year between fiction and poetry. Previous winners in poetry include Annaliese Jakimides, Tanya Whiton, Sarah Boucher, Glenn Morazzini and Douglas Woodsum.

Martin Dibner was an author of numerous books, including the novels "Devil's Paintbrush" and "The Deep Six" and nonfiction works. He served on the Maine Arts Commission and was first director of the Payson Gallery at Westbrook College.

A statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation partners with donors and community groups to strengthen Maine communities through grants and scholarships.