Richard J. Margolis Award 2026: A Prestigious Opportunity for Nonfiction Journalists Driving Social Change

The Richard J. Margolis Award stands as a distinguished recognition for emerging nonfiction writers dedicated to social-justice journalism. Designed to support developing journalists, this award provides both recognition and the invaluable opportunity to further meaningful storytelling that addresses critical societal issues.

If you are a writer passionate about creating impactful nonfiction narratives and advancing public understanding of social values, this award could be a transformative step in your career.

About the Richard J. Margolis Award

The Richard J. Margolis Award celebrates excellence in nonfiction writing focused on social justice themes. It aims to empower writers who are committed to producing thoughtful, well-researched journalism that highlights important social concerns.

Each year, one recipient is selected and announced in November, followed by a residency at Blue Mountain Lake in the subsequent summer or fall. This residency provides a dedicated environment for writers to focus on their work and further develop their projects.

Application Timeline and Deadline

• Applications are accepted year-round
• To be considered for the current year’s award, submissions must be received by July 1
• Applications submitted after July 1 will automatically be considered for the following year

What the Award Offers

Winning the Richard J. Margolis Award provides:

• Recognition as an emerging voice in social-justice journalism
• A prestigious writing residency at Blue Mountain Lake
• Increased visibility within the literary and journalism communities
• Opportunities for career advancement and networking

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter

• Clearly state your interest in the award
• Highlight your qualifications and experience

2. Project Description

• Outline your current and upcoming work
• Explain what you plan to develop during the Blue Mountain residency

3. Biographical Note

• Provide a brief overview of your background, achievements, and writing journey

4. Writing Samples (2–3 pieces)

All samples must meet the following criteria:

• Must be nonfiction only (no fiction or poetry)
• Maximum of 30 pages total
• At least one piece must not be memoir-based
• Can be published or unpublished

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee evaluates applications based on:

• Quality of writing
• Journalistic skill and clarity
• Relevance to social justice themes
• Potential impact of the proposed project

Applicants are encouraged to submit samples that demonstrate:

• Strong storytelling ability
• Investigative or analytical depth
• A clear commitment to meaningful social issues

How to Submit Your Application

Preferred Method: Email Submission

• Send all documents as PDF files
• Use clear file naming starting with your last name
  • Example: Smith-coverletter.pdf, Smith-writingsample.pdf
• Submit to: award@margolis.com

Alternative Method: Postal Mail

Send materials to:

Richard J. Margolis Award
c/o Margolis & Bloom
20 William Street, Suite 320
Wellesley, MA 02481

Note: Submitted materials will not be returned.

Responsibilities of Award Recipients

If selected, recipients are expected to:

1. Acknowledge the award in:
   • Online and print biographies
   • Book acknowledgements
2. Include a link to the official website in online profiles
3. Provide updates on:
   • Publications
   • Career milestones
   • Honors and achievements

Updates can be sent via email or postal mail to the award committee.

Why You Should Apply

The Richard J. Margolis Award is more than just recognition—it is an opportunity to:

• Advance your nonfiction writing career
• Gain support for impact-driven journalism
• Join a network of writers committed to social change
• Dedicate time and space to a meaningful project

For writers striving to make a difference through storytelling, this award offers both credibility and creative freedom.

For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

Discover more Global Fellowship Opportunities on OFY here.