Dear Anhinga Press Supporter,
First, let me introduce myself – I am the very new Board President at Anhinga Press and I feel incredibly lucky to be working with such a great organization. Especially now because we have been making some changes, including implementing a new vision.
Before I tell you about that new vision, let me tell you about why I am so excited to be working with the staff and Board at Anhinga. I am also a writer and a poet and, three years ago, Anhinga published my book of poems called Buried: A Place. I was so touched by the care of the editors, so floored by the mission of the press, I was and still am so proud have my book published through Anhinga. Proud because it is an amazing, independent, non-profit small press that only publishes poetry. And I wanted to be a part of a team dedicated to bringing amazing poetry to the world.
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Being an independent press means we are truly not dependent on any organization, including any academic institution. Meaning we are free to give space for independent poets, independent voices, as well as new and cutting-edge poetry.
Which, frankly, in this particular climate where free speech is being threatened more and more every day, is not just important but imperative.
How are we threatened? Threatened by increasing cuts to the arts, including the recent cancelling of nearly $30 million in grants to the National Endowment for the Arts (and a threat to eliminate the organization completely). Threatened by AI technology which reduces user clicks to publisher websites which affects revenue. Many presses and small literary magazines are struggling.
Much of what is happening in the realm of free speech affects the publishing realm in so many other ways, especially small publishers like Anhinga. Small presses, in all genres of writing, are vital because they foster diverse and marginalized voices, promote innovation, challenge the boundaries and norms of the literary landscape.
Anhinga has been doing this and publishing astonishing and award-winning poetry since 1975. We have published “big” names in the poetry world like Naomi Shihab Nye, Frank X. Gaspar, Ruth Schwartz and Diane Wakoski as well as new poets and new voices.
In fact, one of our most recent titles, Whipsaw by the poet Suzanne Frischkorn, was just awarded CNY Book Award for Poetry in New York City.
So, this is the place where I ask for your help.
Being a small press, we rely, in part, on independent donors. Donors like you, I hope, who believe in the power of freedom of speech, of having presses that push boundaries and keep doors open to many different kinds of voices.
Our budgetary needs are not enormous – we are looking to raise $20,000 to help cover costs for our small and dedicated staff [who already work for small wages], producing beautiful books and getting them into the world.
And we are working with a new vision to include new programs and focus to grow Anhinga. Here’s how your donation will help us continue being innovative and meet the changing publishing reality:
- Hosting a series of innovative Visual Poetry books. We are the only press with a series dedicated to VISPO.
- We are now offering Manuscript Consultations.
- We have just completely revamped and restyled our website. Check it out here: www.AnhingaPress.com.
- We are also working on producing The Aviary, a new podcast showcasing Anhinga Poets.
- A new online journal is in the works, also called The Aviary, showcasing traditional and VISPO poetry.
Any level of help is welcome – from $20 to $2000 to $20,000. – and all donations are tax deductible! (Note: If you decide to donate more than $250, we will help you with any paperwork needed.)
Thank you so, so much in advance for your contribution, no matter how small or large. Your donation will go toward giving space for independent voices and innovations in poetry.
Here are ways you can donate:
- Donate online here: https://www.anhingapress.org/fall-fundraiser-2025
- Send a check to our address above.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I am so excited about helping Anhinga not just survive these turbulent times, but to thrive and grow. Hope you can be part of that, too.
Warmly,
Sue Scavo
President, Board of Directors
Anhinga Press