[Pittsburgh Foundation](https://pittsburghfoundation.org)

February 2027 (Nomination submission deadline, projected)

$5,000 award; given annually to one Pennsylvania journalist

Honors Pennsylvania journalists demonstrating courage, integrity, and excellence in addressing contemporary issues.

For Pennsylvania-based or Pennsylvania-focused broadcast, print, or online journalists; self-nominations permitted.

--- ## Description The award recognizes and supports courageous journalism in Pennsylvania, honoring the legacy of Sally Kalson, a journalist renowned for fearless, honest storytelling and a commitment to speaking truth to power. Established in 2019 by her family and friends through The Pittsburgh Foundation, the award celebrates a broadcast, print, or online journalist whose work demonstrates fortitude, integrity, and excellence in addressing pressing societal issues. The recipient is selected for work that embodies Kalson's passion for justice, effectiveness in raising public consciousness, and commitment to structural change for underserved communities. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027: Nomination submission deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - The award consists of a $5,000 prize. - One award is given annually. - The funding is unrestricted and intended as recognition for impactful journalistic work. --- ## Eligibility - Open to journalists living or working in Pennsylvania, or whose work addresses issues relevant to Pennsylvania. - Eligible formats: broadcast, print, or online media. - Works must adhere to journalistic principles and have undergone fact-checking or editorial review. - The award may recognize a single story or a series of works. - Nominees should demonstrate: - Fearlessness and fortitude in tackling contemporary issues. - Compassion and solidarity. - Effectiveness in raising awareness and prompting action. - Commitment to justice and structural change for underserved communities. - Journalists may nominate themselves or be nominated by peers, colleagues, or supervisors. --- ## Application Process - Nominations are submitted via an online form on the [Pittsburgh Foundation website](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/kalsonnomination) (check for updates on the program page). - The nominator must answer questions about the nominated work and summarize its impact. - After initial eligibility screening, nominees may be asked to submit the nominated works. - An advisory committee of journalists, academics, and media experts reviews submissions and selects the winner. - The award is typically announced in the spring following the nomination deadline. --- ## Additional Information - The award celebrates work that "goes against the grain" and holds powerful interests accountable, in the spirit of Sally Kalson's legacy. - Past recipients have addressed topics such as racial justice, public health, and systemic inequities in Pennsylvania communities. - The prize is designed to encourage bold reporting that may not align with dominant political or institutional narratives. --- ## External Links - [Program Page (Sally Kalson Courage in Journalism Award)](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/sally-kalson-award) - [Nomination Form (when open)](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/kalsonnomination) - [Past Grantees and Awardees](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/our-grants?f[0]=grant_opportunity_content%3A68027) - [How to Apply for Grants at The Pittsburgh Foundation](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/howtoapply) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Link | |----------------|-----------------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Kitty Julian | juliank@pghfdn.org | 412-394-2643 | [Contact Form](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/contact-us) | ---

Sally Kalson Courage in Journalism Award

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