The Meijer Foundation announces significant support for the Made in Michigan Writers Series at Wayne State University Press

DETROIT, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Meijer Foundation has announced a $500,000 grant to be paid over five years to support the Made in Michigan Writers Series, published by Wayne State University Press. The series was founded with the conviction that Michigan's literary talent deserved a wider readership, and that there was an audience for works by Michigan writers whether or not the subject matter was specific to the region. Since 2006, 24 books have been published in the series. Fourteen have won awards, including the short story collection American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell, which was a 2009 finalist for the National Book Award in fiction.

"At Meijer our future is closely tied to the vitality of our great state, cultural and otherwise," said Hank Meijer, co-chairman. "'Made in Michigan' means a lot to us, from the products on our shelves to the literary achievements of Michigan writers.  We value Wayne State's commitment to this series and are pleased to help sustain it."

The Meijer Foundation's generous grant will fund an endowment for the series, securing its long-term viability and growth. Plans include expanding the outreach of authors through travel and partnerships, starting an annual contest to nurture unpublished Michigan writers, and increasing the number of titles published each year. In addition to being published as printed books, all titles in the Made in Michigan Writers Series are available electronically; the Meijer grant will ensure that e-books in the series are available in the widest number of formats and outlets.

"On behalf of everyone at Wayne State University, I'd like to express my gratitude to The Meijer Foundation for this generous gift," said Wayne State President Allan Gilmour. "This gift is the largest ever made to the Wayne State Press, and it will ensure that deserving Michigan authors are given the opportunities they deserve." 

The Meijer Foundation, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was established in 1990 by Fred Meijer. It has supported a number of charitable causes including the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center, and numerous trail projects throughout Michigan.

For more information about the Made in Michigan Writers Series, contact Sarah Murphy, promotions manager, Wayne State University Press, (313) 577-6077 phone; (313) 577-6131 fax; or email [email protected]. To learn more about the WSU Press, visit wsupress.wayne.edu.

Visit wsupress.wayne.edu/Series/Made-in-Michigan-Writers for a list of books and authors in the series.

SOURCE Wayne State University