Penguin Random House to Donate $40,000 to Story Factory in 2024

Penguin Random House (PRH) is delighted to announce that it will increase its annual donation to the not-for-profit creative writing organisation, Story Factory, to $40,000 in 2024 – a contribution that underscores PRH's ongoing commitment to nurturing young Australian voices from under-resourced communities.

Since its inception in 2012, Story Factory has been dedicated to fostering creativity, improving literacy, and enhancing the well-being of young people through comprehensive writing programs. With initiatives designed by literacy experts, Story Factory aims to bolster written and oral communication skills, nurture creativity, and deepen engagement with learning.

PRH has been a steadfast partner of Story Factory from the beginning. Over the years, this collaboration has led to the creation and publication of several impactful anthologies, including I Met a Martian and Other Stories, Home and The Simple Act of Reading. Together with Story Factory, PRH has also supported initiatives including internships, work experience placements and their Year of the Novella project. These programs provide young writers with invaluable hands-on experience, opportunities to develop their writing and to learn more about the publishing world.

The increased donation will support Story Factory’s activities, allowing the organisation to work with even more young people in under-resourced communities in the year ahead.

Cath Keenan, Executive Director at Story Factory, expressed her gratitude for the continued support: ‘PRH has been a generous and committed partner to Story Factory from the very beginning. Over the past twelve years, the book publisher has supported us in myriad ways, both financially and in kind, demonstrating PRH’s deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of diverse young Australian voices. We are so grateful.’

Julie Burland, CEO of PRH, shared her enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership: ‘We are thrilled to increase our donation to Story Factory this year, furthering our shared mission to inspire a love of reading and writing in young Australians. This contribution will support ongoing programs and open the door for opportunities; I look forward to continuing to make a positive difference together.’

This enhanced partnership not only strengthens the partnership between PRH and Story Factory but also reaffirms PRH's dedication to fostering a love of literature and empowering young voices across Australia.

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