The Acorn Access Fund

Every writer deserves the time, space and support to flourish.

At Acorn Writing Retreats, we believe that access to our restorative retreats should never be limited by circumstance. That is why we have created the Acorn Access Fund: a growing initiative to support students and writers from marginalised or low-income backgrounds to attend our retreats.

Through this fund, we aim to reduce financial barriers and make our retreats more accessible
to writers whose voices deserve to be heard.

All donations will go towards providing subsidised retreat places for writers who need them most.

3% Cover the Fee

All donations to the Acorn Access Fund are used to support writers who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend an Acorn Writing Retreat. Donations are used exclusively to subsidise participant places and are never used for general business overheads, facilitator fees, or marketing costs.

How We Grow Our Fund

Thanks to the generosity of our community and the kindness of our venue partners, we are able to reserve a small number of places on each retreat for writers who may not otherwise be able to attend.

We operate a simple, values-led model:

  • A portion of our retreat income is reinvested into the fund;

  • Some retreaters choose to “pay it forward” with a donation when booking;

  • Supporters and past participants generously contribute to the fund;

  • Our retreat venues kindly offer discounted places on a case-by-case basis.

Together, we are building a more inclusive and supportive writing community - one writer at a time.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome requests from writers who:

  • Are on a low income;

  • Identify as part of a marginalised or underrepresented group;

  • Would benefit from financial support to attend an Acorn Writing Retreat.

There are no complicated forms or intrusive questions. Just a short expression of interest and we will do our best to support you.

As a small but growing fund, support is limited. While we may not be able to offer assistance to everyone who applies, each request is considered with care, and we will help wherever we can.

If you would like to be considered for a subsidised place, click below to complete a short application form.

Apply for Support

Support Writers by Donating

If you have already experienced the magic of our retreats, or simply believe in the power of writing, you can help another writer grow by contributing to the Acorn Access Fund.

Even the smallest donation can make a meaningful difference.

3% Cover the Fee

All donations to the Acorn Access Fund are used to support writers who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend an Acorn Writing Retreat. Donations are used exclusively to subsidise participant places and are never used for general business overheads, facilitator fees, or marketing costs.

Your kindness and generosity helps another acorn take root.

 FAQs

  • We welcome applications from writers who are on a low income and/or identify as part of a marginalised or underrepresented group. This includes (but not limited to) first-generation students, writers with health conditions or impairments, LGBTQ+ writers, writers from racially or ethnically minoritised communities, carers, and those experiencing systemic or personal barriers to professional or creative opportunities.

  • At this time, most support is offered as discounted retreat places, depending on availability and funding. We aim to reduce financial barriers as much as possible to help more writers attend.

  • Simply complete a short application form using the link on this page. The form includes a few questions to get a sense of your writing ambitions, your circumstances and how we can best support you. The process is kept simple and confidential.

  • The number of discounted places varies by retreat and is limited by the size of the Acorn Access Fund. However, we typically aim to offer 1-2 supported places per retreat. We are also working to increase this through donations, grants and partnerships.

  • We review each application individually, considering both financial need and available space on upcoming retreats. We aim to distribute support fairly and with care.

  • We are actively seeking donations and would greatly appreciate your support in helping us grow the Acorn Access Fund.

    You can make a one-off or recurring donation using the button on this page. Your contribution helps reduce financial barriers and opens the door for writers to flourish through our restorative retreats.