TEHRAN —The second edition of the “Iran Charity Literary Festival” has officially opened for submissions, inviting writers to explore the role of generosity and philanthropy in society through fiction, poetry, and personal storytelling.
The festival, which will culminate in the fall of 2025, aims to encourage literary engagement with the concept of charity—not just as an act, but as a foundational value in Iranian life. 
Organizers are accepting submissions in four categories: short stories (ranging from 500 to 3,000 words), poetry (including classical forms, free verse, modern styles, and songwriting), as well as memoir and personal essays. A dedicated section for children’s and young adult literature—both poetry and short fiction—will also be featured.
The submission deadline is November 5, 2025. According to organizers, all entries will be reviewed during the second half of November, with the winners to be announced at a closing ceremony in December.
The festival is spearheaded by a nonprofit cultural center focused on promoting sustainable giving, in partnership with a charitable leadership foundation. 
The initiative has also drawn the support of several prominent institutions, including the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, national literary organizations, a leading publishing network, the youth division of the Red Crescent, and Tehran’s municipal cultural department.
More information, including eligibility and submission guidelines, is available at festival.kheir.ir.