The PEN Writers Fund

PEN America’s U.S. Writers Aid Initiative, part of the PEN America Writers Emergency Fund, provides one‑time emergency grants to professional writers living in the United States who face acute financial hardship due to an emergency situation. The fund supports fiction and nonfiction authors, poets, playwrights, translators, and journalists. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the grant will meaningfully address a short‑term emergency and meet professional credential criteria such as a published book, recent literary journal appearances, a professionally produced play, or full‑time journalism work. The initiative does not cover expenses for residencies, equipment, travel, or publicity, and writers currently enrolled in degree‑granting programs are excluded. Grants are limited in number and size, with amounts up to $2,000 (or a comparable loan). Applications are accepted in three cycles each year; the upcoming Fall Cycle opens September 15 and closes October 5, 2026. No application fee is required. Successful applicants receive a complimentary one‑year PEN America membership. Questions can be directed to PEN America via the contact information on the program page.