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

GERALD R FORD PRESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION

Foundation Annual Grants for Journalism

Funding Amount

$5,000

Deadline

June 1, 2027

419 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

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

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
  • Award Amount: $5,000 per recipient

    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. The mission is to enlarge President Ford's legacy in a world that desperately needs his example of leadership and service.

    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:

  • Email: ford@38foundation.org

  • Phone: 616-254-0396
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    journalism

    Categories

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