Writing wasn't putting food on the table, much less making them comfortable for retirement. Right brain mentality definitely dominated the room with not a soul thinking from the other side of her mind. Funds exist in many arenas for writers. No, they don't appear as lottery winnings and solve all problems. The simple concepts come first.
Contests spring eternal.
And yes, many do not require entry fees. Others do, and the individual has to judge when to draw the line on writing a check for the privilege of entering. One's budget determines the threshold. The next question is where to find these jewels. Writers' newsletters and web sites cover most opportunities, but many fine contests exist through Art and Humanities Councils within each state.