Funding an Author Visit to Your Elementary School
Why bring an author into your school?
Inspire young minds: Meeting a published writer sparks creativity and gives students a firsthand look at the writing process.
Diverse literary experiences: Each author visit is different! Some authors focus on lively read-alouds, while others include workshops and hands on learning activities.
Support local arts: Participation supports Ontario’s literary community, with funding backed by the Ontario Arts Council and the provincial government Reddit+13writersunion.ca+13writersunion.ca+13.
For Writers: How to apply to WITS
1. Eligibility
You must be a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC).
Your proposed visit must be to a K–12 school in Ontario (elementary or high school) Reddit+9writersunion.ca+9writersunion.ca+9.
2. Timing and limits
Funding periods:
Fall/Winter: Sept 1–Mar 31
Spring/Summer: Apr 1–Aug 31
TWUC members can have up to three school visits per fiscal year (Apr 1–Mar 31), with a maximum of two visits per period writersunion.ca+5writersunion.ca+5portal.writersunion.ca+5writersunion.ca+3writersunion.ca+3portal.writersunion.ca+3.
Deadlines:
Fall/Winter (e.g. Sept 2025–Mar 2026) typically opens in June; for 2025‑26 Fall/Winter, deadline was July 7, 2025 portal.writersunion.ca+5writersunion.ca+5portal.writersunion.ca+5.
3. What to expect (fees + travel)
Fee: $300 per presentation, paid after you complete the session and final report Reddit+4writersunion.ca+4writersunion.ca+4.
Travel: Reimburses up to $100 for in-person visits over 100 km away (plus receipts or mileage). Additional support may be available for remote/northern communities Catherine Austen+8writersunion.ca+8writersunion.ca+8.
4. The application process
Ensure you’ve confirmed a tentative arrangement with a school—the exact date can be flexible within 30 days writersunion.ca+4writersunion.ca+4writersunion.ca+4.
Log into the TWUC member portal, read program guidelines, and complete the WITS application form Alessia Dickson+9writersunion.ca+9writersunion.ca+9.
You'll provide: in-person or virtual preference, school details, grade level, estimated student count, and proposed date.Submit before the period’s deadline. If approved, you'll receive notice within ~4 weeks, paid after presentation and reporting writersnl.ca+2writersunion.ca+2writersunion.ca+2.
5. After your visit
Complete the Final Report (TWUC portal) including details on date, student attendance, and travel receipts.
TWUC will issue payment by mail within ~4 weeks writersunion.ca+1writersunion.ca+1.
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For Teachers: How to find and book an author
1. Browse the WITS author directory
Visit TWUC’s “Participating Authors” page to search by genre, audience age, or location writersunion.ca+4writersunion.ca+4writersunion.ca+4.
2. Reach out
Contact authors directly via email listed on their profile, or connect via the Union at info@writersunion.ca Reddit+15writersunion.ca+15writersunion.ca+15.
3. Invite the author to apply
Invite your chosen author to apply for WITS funding. Remind them about eligibility and timing. As the teacher, you do not apply—your role is to organize the school’s participation writersunion.ca+7writersunion.ca+7writersunion.ca+7.
4. Coordinate logistics
Confirm presentation date/time; ensure tech setup for virtual visits (live audio/video).
Clarify session format—assembly, classroom reading, Q&A.
After final confirmation from TWUC, promote the event and prepare students.
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Key tips for a successful author visit
Book early: Slots fill quickly—reach out at the start of application windows.
Be clear in communication: Coordinate on audience age, class size, tech needs, and session length.
Support your author: Arrange details clearly and ensure an effective source of communication (often email works best), share information with your student’s families about the author visit (you can ask your author if they have a info sheet or activity page to send home), ensure timely payment for materials/book sales (if any), and encourage acknowledging funding from TWUC, OAC, and Ontario in any promotional materials Catherine Austen+7writersunion.ca+7writersunion.ca+7.
Celebrate and reflect: After the event, share student work, tell the author how their visit has impacted the students, or display thank-you notes.
Sample timeline for Fall visits (Sept–Mar)
June–July Teacher identifies and contacts author
July Author submits WITS application
Early August TWUC reviews and notifies
Sept–Mar Presentation takes place (within 30 days of approved date)
Within 30 days post-visit Author submits final report and receives payment
Within 4 weeks Author receives cheque
Final thoughts
The Ontario WITS program is a wonderful opportunity to bring storytelling to life in your classroom. It’s straightforward for both writers and teachers—funds, honorarium, and support are in place. By collaborating early, staying organized, and celebrating the visit with students, you’ll create an inspiring experience rooted in creativity.
Want to get started?
Authors: Visit OWITS program page, review guidelines, and apply through TWUC portal. https://writersunion.ca/ontario-writers-schools
Teachers: Browse the author directory, reach out to invite, and coordinate logistics. https://writersunion.ca/member-directory
Other Possible Funding Sources
School Board Equity or Enrichment Funding: Many school boards have funding for equity or enrichment, reach out to yours to find out more!
Parent Council (School Advisory Council) Funds: Check with members of your parent council to see if they have a fund for events such as author visits. They may even be able to set up book sales as a fundraiser so that the author visit pays for itself (or even makes some money)!
OCAF (Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund): Must be a Canadian non-profit to apply (you can find a community partner if you are an independent author). Events are more likely to be funded if projected numbers are 1000- 10 000 individuals, so think big!
Canadian Council of the Arts Funding: Several different grants, explore their page to find out more!
Let’s ignite a love of writing and reading—one author visit at a time.
Book an author visit with me! https://www.jennymouse.com/author-visit \