How to Fund a Writing Retreat
There is a common misconception that writing retreats are simply holidays with a bit of writing squeezed in. Some assume that writing retreats are an indulgence rather than a legitimate investment in writers’ and researchers’ work. In reality, a structured writing retreat can be an impactful form of professional and creative development.
This blog post shares some practical tips on how writers fund writing retreats, based on the diverse ways participants attend Acorn Writing Retreats. At our retreats, the primary focus is always on writing, following a thoughtfully structured schedule that combines focused writing sessions with restorative breaks. This balance helps writers make substantial progress on their projects whilst supporting their wellbeing.
As we welcome writers of all kinds at Acorn Writing Retreats, this post has been divided into useful tips for Academics & Postgraduate Researchers, Professional & Creative Writers, as well as options that are open to all writers.
Tips for Academics & Postgraduate Researchers
Some writers attend retreats with the support/approval of a supervisor, line manager or research lead. Framing a retreat as structured writing time with clear outputs can help these conversations feel straightforward and professionally grounded particularly when discussing timelines, deliverables or completion goals.
Using Existing Research or Training Funds
Many academic writers attend our retreats by utilising existing funds within their institution, although these funds may sometimes be limited. It is worth exploring what support your institution can offer, such as:
PhD training budgets
PGR/ECR development funds
Research centre or school budgets
Even relatively small pots of funding can sometimes be used creatively or in combination with other options. Please check specific regulations as funding conditions vary.
Writing Retreats in Grant Applications
For most research grants, setting aside time for impact development, writing-up results and dissemination planning is a key requirement. Participating in structured writing retreats can be an effective way to support focused writing-up time, impact development as well as the preparation of research outputs, particularly where sustained concentration and momentum are needed.
Several Acorn “repeat retreaters” regularly include more than one writing retreat within grant applications. If a project is substantial and the budget allows, factoring in multiple retreats can provide useful structure, maintain momentum and support the completion of the project.
Professional Development &
Completion Support
Writing retreats can also be framed as structured writing support with clear, tangible outcomes. This approach is particularly useful for late-stage doctoral researchers, postdocs and busy academics who are seeking protected time to complete chapters, journal articles, reports or grant-related outputs. Emphasising focused writing time, defined goals and measurable outputs can help position a retreat as a legitimate and effective form of professional development.
Sample wording for funding or approval requests:
“Funds will be used to support participating at a structured writing retreat, providing protected time to complete specific writing outputs (e.g. draft chapters, journal articles or grant materials[delete/include as appropriate]). The retreat will offer a focused writing environment with clear goals and outcomes to support timely completion.”
Tips for Professional, Freelance & Creative Writers
Grants for Writers
It is worth exploring grants or funding opportunities that support professional and/or creative development. Many writers attend retreats through small grants, bursaries or project-based funding that can be used to support focused writing time.
A list of useful funding organisations and resources can be found at the end of this post.
Tax-Deductible Expenses
If you are self-employed, a structured writing retreat may be considered a tax-deductible expense where it clearly relates to your professional development or writing practice. This can include work on manuscripts, commissioned projects, marketing materials or portfolio development.
As tax rules vary, it is always advisable to discuss your specific situation with an accountant.
Professional Development
& Sustainability
For freelance and professional writers, writing retreats can often be framed as part of ongoing professional development or business sustainability. Some writers intentionally build retreats into their annual planning as protected time to develop work, meet deadlines, or long-term sustainability of their writing practice.
Options for All Writers
The Acorn Access Fund
At Acorn, we offer a limited number of subsidised places through the Acorn Access Fund to help reduce financial barriers to low-income and marginalised writers to attend a retreat. Partial support may be available and writers are always welcome to apply to see what options may be possible.
Payment Plans
If paying the full cost of a retreat upfront feels difficult, spreading the cost over time can make attendance more manageable. Payment plans allow writers to plan ahead and commit to dedicated writing time without placing unnecessary strain on cash flow.
At Acorn, there is the possibility to pay in instalments prior to the retreat. If this would be helpful, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss payment options at the time of booking.
Please note that all bookings must be confirmed with a deposit and full payment is expected 28 days in advance. See our Terms & Conditions for further information.
Using Gift Vouchers to Plan Ahead
We offer gift vouchers for Acorn Writing Retreats which can be a useful option if you have a budget that needs to be used within a certain timeframe but are unsure when you will be able to attend a retreat. Gift vouchers allow you to plan ahead and convert available funds into future writing time.
Please note that gift vouchers are venue-specific and must be used within 12 months of purchase.
Combining Funding Routes
If you are unable to secure the full cost of a retreat through one route, it may be possible to combine different funding options. For example, some writers attend retreats through a mix of partial funding and self-funding.
Be Treated By a Loved One
Finally, some writers receive the gift of a writing retreat from a loved one, particularly for birthdays, milestones or celebrations. Framing a writing retreat as a meaningful gift of time, space and focus can be a special way for others to support you and your work.
Useful Links
Below are some useful links and organisations that writers find helpful when exploring funding and support opportunities. This list is not exhaustive, so it may be worth carrying out your own search depending on your circumstances and writing context.
Creative Scotland Open Funds: Funding for creative and professional development in Scotland
https://www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/open-funding
Funds for Writers: A comprehensive database of grants, competitions and funding opportunities for writers
https://fundsforwriters.com/grants/
The British Academy Funding Schemes for Researchers: Grants and fellowships supporting research, writing-up and dissemination
https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/schemes/?order=-last_published_at
The Literary Consultancy: Resources, advice and links for writers at different stages of their careers
https://literaryconsultancy.co.uk/resources/useful-web-links/
The Royal Literary Fund: Financial support and grants for professional writers
https://www.rlf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/
The Society of Authors: Grants, emergency funds and professional support for authors
https://societyofauthors.org/Grants/
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI): Funding opportunities for research-active academics
