The Merle Davis Story Listener Fund Application
The International Storytelling Center (ISC) is now accepting applications for Merle Davis Story Listener Scholarships. The scholarships will cover registration fees and a travel stipend for two special listeners to attend the National Storytelling Festival in October. There will also be additional scholarships available for workshops — you can select more than one category on the application form below.
The Merle Davis Story Listener Fund honors the life of Merle Davis (1944-2017), an arts administrator and story lover whose keen ear, sharp eye, gracious smile, and generous heart made every storyteller want her in the audience. She understood that having eager listeners is as important as having accomplished storytellers. The Chinese symbol for the word that means “to listen” is comprised of four words: ear, eye, heart, and understanding. Merle used all of those senses and sensibilities as she listened to stories. ISC invites avid story listeners everywhere to apply for these scholarships.
The deadline for applications is July 10, 2026. Recipients will be notified by August 1, 2026.