The Alicia Patterson fellowships are open only to US citizens who are fulltime print journalists, or to non-US citizens who work fulltime for US print publications, either in America or abroad.
The major objective of the trustees who established the foundation was to improve the quality of U.S. print journalism. Foreign journalists seeking fellowship help may consult the annual list of contest and awards compiled by Editor and Publisher magazine in New York City. That issue is published the last week of December each year and can often be found in business libraries. The magazine sells individual copies of the issue for $6 on-line.
A complete, typed statement not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages, on how you would use an Alicia Patterson Foundation fellowship, and why. A brief summary of the four articles you will be required to write as an APF fellow should be included as part of your statement. Each candidate may submit only one proposal. Two applicants may collaborate on one proposal, for example, a writer and a photographer.
Submitting work samples:
Reporters and Writers
- Please submit three copies of three articles with publication date and place noted. To fit into the judges’ packets, they must be kept to 8 1/2 x 11 inches. Either reduces longer articles by copy machine reduction or cut and paste articles on several 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of white paper. Reprints from databases are fine.
- Number multiple pages of any article. Please don’t use staples or fancy folders because we need to duplicate your material for the judges. You may submit originals or clear photocopies. Please don’t send books or chapters of books.
- Each part of series counts as one article, so it may be wise to choose only one part of a series and submit two other, unrelated articles in order to show diversity of topics
- Please do not submit any more than three articles. The judges will see only three and we’d rather you make the selection. The content of the articles, rather than date or place or publication, is most important.
Editors:
Please send three copies of four samples of work you have edited, using the guidelines above. Attach a statement regarding your contribution to the finished product. If you also write, you may substitute two of your own articles in the four sample total.
Photographers:
Please submit one set of 8 to 12 samples. These can be published photographs or unmounted prints. No slides please. Samples cannot exceed 12 x 14 inches.
All Applicants:
Please make sure the text from your printer is dark enough to generate readable pages when photocopied. Fancy presentation (folders, binding, plastic sheaths for articles, even paper clips) make our work harder. Also, fax copies do not reproduce well. Please don’t wait until the last day because we cannot use fax transmissions.
Please write atop the application form whether you are applying for a 12 or 6 month fellowships. Note: judges on rare occasion have awarded a six month fellowship for an applicant requesting a 12-month grant.
Remember, all applicants must submit application, clips, essays and budget in triplicate, in three separate packets. Photographers submit only one set of their prints. Please arrange your materials in three identical groupings, i.e. each group includes one autobiography, one budget, and one set of clips or work samples.
References:
Have four (4) persons who are familiar with your work and your proposal submit a letter of recommendation directly to the Foundation by October 1. There is no set template for the letters; please ask recommenders to write about your talents, ability to overcome obstacles, etc. Please list the names and addresses of your references on the application form.
Professional Autobiography:
A typed statement, not to exceed two (2) single spaced pages, to include reasons for going into journalism, journalistic experience, and future plans.
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