The Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) has received a $2 million commitment from the Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation, Inc. (SLFF), which will support DGF's Emergency Grants and Fellows Program.

The Fellows program is a selective, year-long intensive for 10–12 playwrights, composers, lyricists, and book writers each year. The program pairs emerging writers with professional mentors, who offer them continued development support for their plays and musicals. This program increases the likelihood that Fellows will be able to turn their passion and talent into a successful career, impacting audiences around the globe.

DGF’s Emergency Grants support playwrights experiencing financial stress. The Foundation awards stipends of $1,000 to $5,000 to artists dealing with unpaid medical bills, child-care issues, extended unemployment, and other unforeseen emergencies.

The $2 million grant, which will be distributed over five years, also includes funds that will be set aside to establish an endowment to support future fellows.

“This incredibly generous grant from SLFF comes at an important time in DGF’s history,” said DGF president, Andrew Lippa. “DGF is growing and serving more artists than ever before. With this support from SLFF we are now able to serve more artists, help those in dire situations and contribute to a lasting endowment that will help serve future generations.”

The Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation, Inc. (SLFF) was founded by Tony-winning Broadway Producer, Jeffrey Seller and his partner, Josh Lehrer, a prominent photographer and documentarist.

“My life without playwrights would be unimaginable," says Seller. "My life with playwrights has been rewarding beyond my wildest dreams. We are thrilled that our family will continue to nurture artists creating the future of the American theatre.”