Working with teachers to identify texts that feature diverse characters and relevant narratives, PEN/Faulkner's flagship Writers in Schools program connects young people with authors (and their books) for dynamic conversations. Writing Workshops deepen the work as teaching artists help students learn about and practice their own writing through engaging skill-building sessions. In a new long-term residency, students will work directly with an expert writer to develop a sustained relationship and writing project. Together We Read brings authors, and students from different schools, into cross-cultural dialogue about books, while Nuestras Voces offers Latinx- and Hispanic-centric education programs that address systemic diversity challenges. Finally, Literary Conversations bring together the most highly acclaimed writers from all over the country to discuss the urgent issues that surround their work and let literature serve as a springboard for much-needed civil discourse.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 4

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: Students

Schools They Work In: We work with roughly 65 different DC schools each year.


  • Number of books donated to low-income youth over the last five years:   20,000
  • Number of local teaching artists, writers, and humanities professionals supported by PEN/Faulkner annually:   130
  • Approximate number of DC public and charter schools student participants in our education programs over the last five years:   18,000

Awards & Recognition

In 2019, PEN/Faulkner won a Literacy Award from the Library of Congress.

Press

  • Eat, Pray, Love -- and Talk to Fans
    Mon Mar 30 2009  
    On March 27, 2009, PEN/Faulkner hosted a joint reading with the National Cathedral entitled "Divine Sanity: Thoughts on Creative Life," with international bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert. Both the talk, and audience reactions, were incredibly moving.
    connect here

Budget (FY2016)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for The PEN/Faulkner Foundation is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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