Book Seminar Legacy Fund Annual Grant

The Book Seminar Legacy Fund Annual Grant, established by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, honors the legacy of Professor Samuel Freedman by providing three annual grants starting in 2026. These grants support various stages of book projects, including proposals, initial research, and manuscript writing. Eligible applicants include former students and auditors from the Book Seminar class, which ran from 1991 to 2025. This initiative fosters literary creativity and supports authors in their publishing journeys.

Community Foundation of New Jersey
More than thirty-five years and 1,100 funds later, we have made enormous progress in solving problems in communities across our state.
From creative projects that tackle critical societal or policy issues to scholarship funds, corporate philanthropy, legacy funds and donor advised funds, the Community Foundation manages nearly every kind of giving vehicle and tailors solutions to meet critical needs. The Community Foundation’s team of specialists understand the unique contours of communities and manage the scope of the Community Foundation’s investment and grantmaking capabilities with precision.
With more than $900 million in assets, the Community Foundation grants tens of millions of dollars each year through its more than 1,160 funds. In 2024, the Community Foundation granted more than $100 million to non-profits in New Jersey and beyond.
This fund was established to perpetuate the work done by nearly 700 students and auditors over the 35 years that Professor Samuel Freedman taught the Book Seminar class prior to his retirement from Columbia Journalism School.
Beginning in 2026, the fund will award three grants each year for ongoing book projects. Depending on available resources, the grant amounts may vary from year to year.
Three grants will be awarded for:

• Work on a book proposal: Supports research and the writing of a book proposal (it’s not necessary for applicants to have an agent or contract)

Initial work on book research: Supports the reporting and research for a book that has been under contract for less than five years and is not yet in the writing phase (applicants must submit proof of a contract, including the amount of the advance, because financial need is a factor that judges will consider)
Ongoing work on writing a book manuscript: Supports the writing of a manuscript for a book that has been under contract for at least five years (applicants must submit proof of a contract, but the amount of the contract is not a relevant factor and may be omitted).

Eligibility

Any former student or auditor from the book class during its duration (1991-2025) is eligible to apply.