PEN America U.S. Writers Aid Initiative

Funder

Deadline

Varies

Disciplines

emergency usa literature poetry theatre any

About this grant

The PEN America U.S. Writers Aid Initiative offers one time emergency grants for writers in the United States facing acute financial need after an emergency situation. It is part of the PEN America Writers Emergency Fund.

Eligibility

✓ Professional writers based in the United States facing acute financial need after an emergency situation. Writers in degree granting programs are not eligible.
✓ One time emergency grants to help address short term crises for fiction and nonfiction authors, poets, playwrights, translators, and journalists.
✓ United States.
✓ literature
✓ poetry
✓ theatre
✓ any

How to apply

PEN reviews applications in cycles. For 2026 the page lists deadlines of March 31, June 15, and October 5, so prepare supporting documentation before the cycle you plan to use.

Apply now → Search all grants on FundMyArt

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Last verified: 26 March 2026