about

Poets in Need is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 with a bequest from the poet Philip Whalen. Its mission is to provide emergency assistance to poets who have an established presence in the literary community as innovators in the field and a substantive body of published work.

Philip Whalen in Japanese Buddhist attire

Assistance is given only in cases of current financial need that is in excess of and unrelated to the recipient’s normal economic situation and that is the result of recent emergency (due, for example, to fire, flood, eviction, or a medical crisis).

Poets in Need is eternally grateful for the dedication and foresight of founding Boards members Michael Rothenberg and Leslie Scalapino.

Michael Rothenberg’s (1951-2022) selfless commitment to his friend Phillip Whalen led to the founding of PIN after Whalen’s initial bequest. His wish to extend community to poets worldwide also led him to found 100 Thousand Poets for Change with his partner Terri Carrion. For decades, from PIN’s founding until his passing, Michael was a driving force at PIN, and our work continues in deep appreciation for all he gave.

Leslie Scalapino (1944-2010) was a co-founder of PIN, serving on its Board until the end of her life. Of her lasting and profound impact on poetry, Lyn Hejinian writes: “Leslie’s generosity to poets (as a teacher, as an editor, as a publisher, and as an audience member at readings) was an expression not only of interest but of her ferocious persistence on behalf of something larger than art, though art was central to it. Leslie—in every facet of her complex and committed life—was engaged in a struggle for truth.”