PEN America

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

PEN America provides advocacy and programs to protect free expression and support writers, educators, librarians, and journalists.

Target Customer

{"Writers","Educators","Librarians","Journalists","Students","Publishers","Policy makers"}

Key Differentiator

Combines literature and human rights advocacy with grants, fellowships, public programming, and legal action to defend free expression in the U.S. and worldwide.

Implementation Timeline

Immediate access to resources (e.g., Campus Free Speech Guide); grant/prize cycles with specific deadlines (e.g., submissions open through November 25, 2025 for The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers)

Pain Points

1Book bans and censorship in public schools and libraries
2Disinformation and threats to journalists online, impacting free expression
3Campus free speech conflicts and restrictions on open inquiry and inclusion

Key Features

1Literary grants, fellowships, and awards
2Public events, author evenings, and literary festivals
3Campus Free Speech resources and workshops
4Disinformation and online safety resources for journalists and writers
5Legal advocacy and reporting on free expression cases

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1Founding Director
2Managing Director, U.S. Free Expression Programs
3Program Manager, Campus Free Speech
4Program Director, Campus Free Speech

Client Results

1Documented 10,046 book bans in the 2023-2024 school year
2Book bans occurred in 29 states and 220 public school districts
3Florida and Iowa leading in number of bans
4Supports legal actions and advocacy campaigns related to book bans and free expression

Competitive Advantages

1Holistic, multi-program approach (grants, education, events, and legal advocacy)
2Strong focus on both literature and human rights, enabling culturally informed advocacy
3Publicly available resources, guides, and campaigns (e.g., Banned Books Week, Campus Free Speech Guide)
4Active litigation and policy-focused engagement to defend free expression

Key Benefits

1Protection of free expression and access to diverse literature

2Funding opportunities for writers and translators

3Practical resources for campuses to balance free speech and inclusion

4Support for journalists facing online abuse and disinformation

5Public programming and opportunities to engage with authors and issues

Case Studies & Success Stories

PEN America v Escambia County

Case #1

Listed as a case related to book bans; specific details are not provided in the content.

PEN America and students vs Rutherford County Board of Education

Case #2

In April 2025, PEN America joined three students and their parents as plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit challenging book removals and restrictions violating First Amendment rights.

Additional Product Information

Product Description

A nonprofit organization defending free expression, supporting writers and education, and promoting public programming through grants, fellowships, advocacy, and research.

Target Market

Writers, educators, librarians, journalists, students, publishers, and institutions involved in education and media

Unique Value Proposition

PEN America uniquely blends literature and human rights advocacy with practical programs (grants, training, events) and legal action to defend free expression in the U.S. and worldwide.

Technical Requirements

N/A

Pricing Model

Donations and memberships; fundraising-driven nonprofit model

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