In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the monetary award for the winner has been increased to $10,000.

The Cave Canem Prize, established in 1999, is dedicated to supporting Black poets in publishing their first book of poems.

Currently, the prize is accepting applications for 2026, with a submission deadline of May 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.

Additional benefits for the winner include 15 copies of the published book and a reading event with the appointed judge, organized by Cave Canem.

Eligibility for the prize is open to all unpublished Black poets who have not previously published a full-length poetry book with a professional press.

However, certain individuals, including current or former students and colleagues of the judge, as well as staff from Cave Canem and Graywolf Press, are not eligible to enter.

Applicants must inform Cave Canem if their manuscript is submitted to other competitions and receives an award, and they must be available for promotional readings in the continental United States post-publication.

The selected poet will not only receive the cash prize but also have their manuscript published by a partner publisher, with publication expected in Fall 2025.

Authors of chapbooks or self-published books with a maximum print run of 500 copies are also invited to apply.

Interested poets can apply for the prize through the Cave Canem submission portal.