The PEN Writers’ Emergency Fund is an emergency fund for professional—published or produced—writers in acute, emergency financial crisis. Depending on the situation, the Fund gives grants of up to $2,000. The maximum amount is given only under especially dire circumstances and when monies are available.

The PEN Fund for Writers and Editors with HIV/AIDS, administered under the PEN Writers’ Emergency Fund, gives grants of up to $2,000 to professional writers and editors who face serious financial difficulties because of HIV or AIDS-related illness.

The Writers’ Emergency Fund does not exist for research purposes, to enable the completion of writing projects, or to fund publications or organizations. The Writers’ Emergency Fund is for writers whose primary professional occupation is writing. Self-published authors or those published by vanity presses are not eligible. Writers do not have to be Members of PEN American Center to receive a grant. For further eligibility guidelines, please click here.

The Writers’ Emergency Fund Committee will hold their next meeting towards the end of March, 2010 to review applications. For further information, please contact Lara Tobin, PEN Writers' Emergency Fund Coordinator.

In an effort to provide further assistance to writers in need, PEN has compiled the following lists of resources. All organizations should be contacted directly as they are not affiliated with PEN. If you have suggestions for additional resources, please contact us.

Emergency Funds
A listing of emergency grants available to writers in acute financial crisis. Self-published authors or those published by vanity presses are generally not eligible. [More]

Crisis Advice & Advocacy
A listing of resources for those who are uninsured, need housing assistance, or are without sufficient financial means. Legal, medical, housing, and general living services are all available, in most cases, for free. [More]

Health Insurance
A listing of organizations offering health-care access to writers and artists. [More]

Government Programs
A listing of government-sponsored programs. These programs are in no way specific to writers or artists, though there are eligibility requirements. [More]

Emergency Shelter and Food Provisions
This list of national and regional resources is provided for those who are without a home and/or in need of food. Please contact each shelter directly as neither PEN nor AHC has any affiliation with the shelters.  [More]