DEADLINE: SPJ's First Amendment Forever Fund

The First Amendment Forever Fund is SPJ’s permanent endowment dedicated to protecting press freedom and the rights of working journalists. It exists to ensure that — regardless of changes in leadership, economic cycles or political climate — SPJ will always have the capacity to stand up for the First Amendment and the public’s right to know.

At present, the fund aims to support advocacy initiatives led by SPJ chapters, regions or interest-based communities that: 

• Defend journalists’ rights to gather and publish news 
• Promote public understanding of the First Amendment and a free press 
• Respond to local or regional threats to access, transparency and accountability 

Given the fund’s purpose and size, the committee strongly encourages proposals that: 

• involve collaboration among multiple SPJ chapters, regions or communities; or 
• partner with allied organizations to extend reach, visibility or impact. 

Applications for funding are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is November 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. A total pool of $10,000 is available for this round, with up to $2,500 per project.

Learn more and apply