Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting on National Defense

Q: When is the deadline for Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting on National Defense?

The funder has not published the next deadline; based on past cycles it is expected around June.

Q: Who is eligible for Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting on National Defense?

Eligible applicants: Can be individuals or reporting teams.

Gerald R Ford Presidential Foundation

Foundation Annual Grants for Journalism

Funding Amount

$5,000

Deadline

Expected ~June

Based on past cycles

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Current deadline: June 1, 2027
Tracked since: April 2026

Deadlines typically fall in: June

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Can be individuals or reporting teams
Ford Presidential Foundation is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation whose programs are supported entirely by contributions and bequests.

Other requirements

Professional journalists covering national defense
Work must be published in recognized news outlets (newspapers, magazines, news organizations, broadcast media, digital publications)
Examples of recognized outlets: The Washington Post, Defense News, Military Times, USA Today, Military.com, Voice of America, Bloomberg News, TIME Magazine, Reuters, ProPublica, Associated Press, and others
Geographic Scope: United States

Overview

Annual award recognizing excellence in reporting on national defense, one of the two pillars of American democracy that President Ford held in the highest regard.

Focus Areas:

U.S. military operations and strategy
National defense policy and decision-making
Military personnel issues and welfare
Defense industry and procurement
International security and military affairs
Military health, suicide prevention, and personnel challenges
Extremism in the military
Military deployments and their impact

Eligibility:

Professional journalists covering national defense
Can be individuals or reporting teams
Work must be published in recognized news outlets (newspapers, magazines, news organizations, broadcast media, digital publications)
Examples of recognized outlets: The Washington Post, Defense News, Military Times, USA Today, Military.com, Voice of America, Bloomberg News, TIME Magazine, Reuters, ProPublica, Associated Press, and others

Geographic Scope: United States

Legacy: Initiated in 1988 as part of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation's mission to honor President Ford's commitment to transparency, accountability, and principled leadership

Selection Process: Independent panel of distinguished judges from journalism and public affairs, often including judges with military or defense expertise

Honorable Mentions: The foundation also awards honorable mentions in this category

About the Foundation: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation whose programs are supported entirely by contributions and bequests.

Contact Information:

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
303 Pearl St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: 616-254-0396
Email: ford@38foundation.org
Website: geraldrfordfoundation.org

How to Apply

Application Process

Submission Method: Nominations and submissions appear to be accepted through the foundation; specific submission portal or form details not provided in available documentation.

Timeline:

Award announcements typically made in June at the foundation's annual meeting
Coverage period: Previous calendar year

Required Materials:

Published journalism/reporting samples
Documentation of news outlet and publication details
Professional background information

Note: Detailed application instructions not available on provided website pages. Contact the foundation directly for current submission procedures and deadlines.

Contact for Application Details: