High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The PEN Translation Fund Grants were established in 2003 by PEN American Center following a gift of $730,000 by Michael Henry Heim, a noted literary translator. Heim believed that there was a `dismayingly low number of literary translations currently appearing in English`. The Grants` purpose is to promote the publication and reception of translated world literature in English. Grants are awarded each year to a select number of literary translators based on quality of translation as well as the originality and importance of the original work. The Fund`s mission is to promote the publication and reception of world literature.