PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grants

The PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grants were established in 2003 through an endowed gift from Priscilla and Michael Henry Heim to PEN America. The fund was created in response to the relatively low number of literary translations available in English and aims to increase both the publication and readership of international literature in translation. Over time, the program has supported nearly 200 translation projects across more than 35 languages, demonstrating a sustained commitment to broadening access to global literary voices. The fund has also contributed to the professional development of translators, particularly those early in their careers, and has played a role in helping translated works secure publication and critical recognition. The primary purpose of the grant is to support the completion of book-length translations of literary works into English. Eligible genres include fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and drama, provided the original work was written by a single author. The grant specifically targets projects that are unpublished and still in progress, with the expectation that funding will assist translators in completing a final manuscript suitable for publication. Projects must not be published before April 15, 2027, reinforcing the program’s role in supporting works nearing completion rather than those already finalized or released. Funding typically ranges between 2,000 and 4,000 dollars per project, with recent cycles awarding 4,000 dollars to each selected recipient. Approximately ten projects are selected annually. While the grant does not impose restrictions on how funds must be allocated, it is implicitly intended to support the labor and time required for translation work. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this program, making it accessible to individual translators regardless of financial backing. Eligibility requirements emphasize both the originality and literary merit of the work. Translations must either not have appeared previously in English or must improve upon outdated or flawed prior translations. Projects are limited to one original author and may involve up to two translators. Certain categories are explicitly excluded, including anthologies with multiple authors, literary criticism, and technical or scholarly texts. Translators of any nationality may apply, but all submissions must result in an English-language translation. Additional restrictions include a limit of one submission per translator per year and a three-year waiting period for previous grant recipients before reapplying. The submission process requires a structured set of materials. Applicants must provide a statement describing the work and its significance, a biography and bibliography of the original author, and a curriculum vitae for the translator. Depending on the copyright status, applicants may also need to include proof of rights availability or a publishing contract. A translation sample is mandatory, along with the corresponding original-language text and any prior translations if applicable. Formatting guidelines are clearly specified, including font, spacing, and margin requirements, ensuring consistency across submissions. Applications for the current cycle open on April 15 and close on June 15 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The program operates on an annual cycle, with submissions reviewed by a panel of judges composed of experienced translators and literary professionals. Evaluation prioritizes literary quality, the significance of the work, and the translator’s ability, with additional consideration given to early-career translators and works from underrepresented languages or authors. While specific notification timelines are not detailed, the program historically announces recipients following a comprehensive review period, culminating in public recognition of selected projects.

Prioritize works from underrepresented languages and emphasize literary significance; early career translators may receive preference