Call For Submissions:The Carol Shields Prize Foundation Fellowship at Diaspora Dialogues

Fellowship Program

Diaspora Dialogues and The Carol Shields Prize Foundation are delighted to announce the renewal of The Carol Shields Prize Foundation Fellowship at Diaspora Dialogues, a $10,000 opportunity for a woman or non-binary BIPOC writer who is a refugee or new immigrant to Canada.

We are deeply grateful to the M.A. Faris Foundation for supporting this Fellowship.

This stipend is intended to provide the opportunity for a writer to create in fiction or creative non-fiction, as free as possible from financial constraints. 

As part of this fellowship, and in alignment with Diaspora Dialogue’s role as a literary mentoring organization, Diaspora Dialogues and The Carol Shields Prize Foundation will provide the fellowship recipient with the support of a mentor to provide structured feedback. Additionally, the fellowship recipient will have access to DD’s suite of professional development training and networking events as well as chances to connect with fellow writers through our social networks of alumni and mentors.

The Carol Shields Prize Foundation Fellowship at Diaspora Dialogues is intended for those already committed to a serious writing practice, although it is not a requirement to finish a manuscript for publication during it. For writers who are nearer the beginning of their writing journey, DD runs short-form mentorship programs. 

Submission Guidelines

• We welcome applications from either interested qualified writers or nominees. 
• Applications should be sent to zalika@diasporadialogues.com by December 31, 2025.
• Samples submitted can be one chapter from the novel or work of creative non-fiction, or one short story from the collection (up to but not exceeding 5,000 words). They must be in English.
• Please include a one-page description of the work and a CV that includes full contact information.
• Each writer may submit only one manuscript.
• Commentary/feedback is not available on submissions.

Eligibility 

• The work must be original and not previously published.
• Works with AI-generated text in part or in whole will not be accepted. By submitting to the fellowship, the writer is confirming that their work is in compliance with this requirement.
• Any woman or non-binary BIPOC writer who is a refugee or new immigrant to Canada (within 5 years) of any age may apply. 

The fellowship will begin in early 2026 and run for six months. The assigned mentor is at the discretion of Diaspora Dialogues. Read Q&As with previous recipients Sana’a Jaber and Ugochi Okoli to learn more about the program.

We look forward to reading your work!