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Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Public Service Journalism

Applications are not currently being accepted. Please check back in a couple of months for more information.

(If you're looking for the Pulliam First Amendment Award, it can be found here.)

The Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship is intended to enable a mid-career journalist who specializes in fact-based commentary or analysis to have time away from daily responsibilities to pursue in-depth reporting projects.

Fellows may use the funds to enrich their knowledge of a public interest issue through courses, independent study or travel.

The fellowship is intended to result in published projects such as editorials, investigative series, podcasts or books.

History

The Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship is a Society of Professional Journalists Foundation program. The Society of Professional Journalists first offered the fellowship in 1977, when Nina Pulliam provided funding for the program. It honors Mrs. Pulliam's husband, one of the original members of the Society, which was founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi (now called Society of Professional Journalists Foundation). Eugene C. Pulliam was the publisher of The Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis News, The Arizona Republic and The Phoenix Gazette.

What the fellowship provides

The Pulliam Fellowship awards up to $100,000 to outstanding editorial writers, columnists or reporters to help broaden their journalistic horizons and knowledge of the world. The award can be used to cover the cost of study, research and/or travel.

More than one fellow may be selected per year, with the award divided between the fellows, at the judges’ discretion.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a Pulliam fellowship, a candidate must:

— Be employed as an opinion writer, or as a reporter with a major focus on analytical or investigative journalism, at a U.S. news outlet. Applications also are welcome from freelancers who devote a majority of their time, or derive most of their income, from such pursuits.
— Have at least three years of relevant professional experience.
— Demonstrate outstanding writing and analytical abilities and in-depth examinations that go beyond revealing problems to include reporting on efforts to address those problems.
— Where applicable, secure assurances from editorial supervisors that the applicant will be allowed sufficient time to pursue the fellowship without jeopardizing employment. (Fellows do not have to leave their jobs.)
— Demonstrate ability and intent to publish work within six to 12 months of selection.
— Entries and work product must be in English.

Application

Each applicant should submit the following:

— A cover letter stating the purpose and nature of the proposed project, a timeline for accomplishing the work, and a plan for how the stipend will be used. Include complete contact information, including mailing address, telephone number and email.
— The editor’s endorsement, where applicable. Not necessary if self-employed.
— A one-page professional biography and summary of professional experience.
— Five samples of opinion or analytical writing.

Selection

A panel of judges chosen by the SPJ Foundation will review applications and select the Fellow.

Fellows should consult with their financial and/or tax adviser. Any tax implications associated with the Fellowship are the responsibility of the Fellow.

Expectations of the Fellow

— Provide a post-fellowship written report on how funds were used.
— Mentor the next recipient.

Questions?

For more information contact SPJ Headquarters at 317/927-8000 or by e-mail: [email protected]