The Society of Professional Journalists calls an application for the Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing. The Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship is a Sigma Delta Chi Foundation program. It honors Mrs. Pulliam’s husband, one of the original members of the Society, which was founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi. Eugene C. Pulliam was the publisher of The Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis News, The Arizona Republic, and The Phoenix Gazette.

Prizes

The Pulliam Fellowship awards $75,000 to an outstanding editorial writer or columnist to help broaden his or her journalistic horizons and knowledge of the world. The annual award can be used to cover the cost of study, research, and/or travel in any field. The fellowship results in editorials and other writings, including books. The cash award allows Pulliam Editorial Fellows to:

• Take courses
• Pursue independent study
• Travel
• Pursue other endeavors that enrich their knowledge of a public interest issue

Eligibilities

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

• Hold a position as a part-time or full-time editorial writer or columnist at a news publication located in the United States. Applications also are welcome from freelance opinion writers who devote a majority of their time, or derive a majority of their income, from that pursuit.
• Have at least three years of experience as an editorial writer or columnist.
• Demonstrate outstanding writing and analytical abilities.
• Secure assurances by the editor or publisher that the applicant will be allowed sufficient time to pursue the fellowship without jeopardizing employment. (Fellows do not have to leave their jobs.)
• Demonstrate the ability and intent to publish work within 18 months of selection. (If selected, work must be published within 18 months of receiving the fellowship).
• All entries must be in English.

Application Process 

The Fellowship has no formal application form. Each applicant should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter stating the purpose and nature of the proposed study, a timeline for accomplishing the work, and a plan for how the stipend will be used. The cover letter should contain complete contact information for the applicant including mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
• The editor’s endorsement.
• A one-page professional biography and summary of professional experience.
• Five samples of editorials or columns.