— America Media: The Foley Poetry Contest: Send an unpublished poem of 45 lines or fewer to this Catholic magazine for the contest; they’re also open for general submissions; prize $1,000, deadline: 31 March 2026, details here.
Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
This prize is for humor poetry. Submit a poem of up to 250 lines.
Value: $2,000 and a two-year subscription to Duotrope; $500; $250; 10 prizes of $100 each
Deadline: 1 April 2026
Open for: All poets
Details here.
The Great American Think-Off
This is an essay contest for US-based writers. The 2026 question is, Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy? Their website says, “The Great American Think-Off is an exhibition of civil disagreement between powerful ideas that connect to your life at the gut level. … People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to submit an essay of no more than 750 words for a chance to win one of four $500 cash prizes and participate in the live debate to ultimately answer the question, determined by audience vote. … The debate is held each year on the second Saturday in June.
Writers are encouraged to ground their essays in personal experience rather than philosophical abstraction. Each year, four writers will be selected as finalists and invited to debate the question on the second Saturday in June in New York Mills, MN. Costs for winners’ travel, food, and lodging will be covered by the Cultural Center.”
Value: $500 for four writers, and other prizes – see above
Deadline: 1 April 2026
Open for: US writers
Details here, here and here.