In 2023 Tupelo Press received a generous donation from The Merrill Family Charitable Foundation, funding two BIPOC writers to spend two weeks in residence at Gentle House. Two young poets accepted residencies  in August and September of 2024, exploring the Olympic National Park, building community, and spending time writing  in the shade of the twin  ancient hazelnut trees. 

In 2024, The Merrill Family Charitable Foundation renewed the Gentle House Scholarship for 2025 and 2026. Applications open in January 2025 for summer and fall residencies. Application information can be found on Submittable.