Words Without Borders Gets Hawthornden Grant

Words Without Borders (WWB) has been awarded a $100,000 general operating grant from the Hawthornden Foundation for 2026-27. The organization announced the major grant on August 17, 2026.

WWB Executive Director Elisabeth Jaquette stated the grant will enable the platform to publish and promote the work of hundreds of global writers and translators. She thanked Hawthornden for the significant support, which also helps keep WWB's programs free for readers everywhere.

Ellyn Toscano, the Hawthornden Foundation's Executive Director, said the foundation is pleased to support WWB as a leader in the field of translation. Toscano expressed excitement about partnering with an organization that shares a commitment to championing international literary voices.

Recent Momentum and Accolades

The grant arrives as WWB approaches its 25th anniversary and seeks to scale up its impact. This period follows several recent developments for the organization.

WWB has implemented a 15% increase in rates paid to its contributing writers, translators, and editors. The organization has also seen staff and budgetary growth to accommodate expanded programming.

In terms of recognition, WWB has received the PEN Centre Germany's Hermann Kesten Prize and the CLMP's Firecracker Award for General Excellence. It was also shortlisted for the 2026 Aficionado Award.

WWB's Programs and Reach

Words Without Borders is the largest digital platform for contemporary literature in English translation. It offers free access to writing from 147 countries, translated from 146 languages.

Its education program, WWB Campus, uses content from the award-winning magazine to bring global literature into hundreds of classrooms each year. WWB also hosts free public literary events worldwide, enabling engagement with international writers and translators.

The organization supports the literary translation field through grants, fellowships, and prizes. Its digital magazine has won the Whiting Literary Magazine Prize.

Samantha Schnee, WWB's board chair and founding editor, said the Hawthornden Foundation is doing important work to support the nonprofit literary arts. Schnee expressed gratitude for the grant, stating it will have a meaningful impact on WWB's operations, programming, and community.

Founded in 2003, Words Without Borders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that cultivates global awareness through access to international writing. For more details on its activities and fixtures of upcoming literary events, or to explore its contributor squad, readers can visit its website.