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Topic: Awards
Awards

INN Nonprofit News Awards

"The Nonprofit News Awards, or INNYs, honor excellence in journalism, leadership and community service across the field of nonprofit news. The INNYs include and go beyond traditional award categories like 'best investigative journalism' to recognize what differentiates nonprofit news – values like collaboration, innovation and impact. The awards are open to all news organizations that are full members in good standing of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN)." Categories include Best Investigative Journalism Award, Insight Award for Explanatory Journalism and many more. Cash prizes. Deadline: Feb. 17, 2026.
Awards

Poynter Journalism Prizes

"The Poynter Institute has been home to the Poynter Journalism Prizes contest since 2024, when the News Leaders Association transitioned stewardship to Poynter. Before the NLA took on the contest in 2019, most of the categories came from the American Society of News Editors Distinguished Writing Awards, established in 1979, and the Associated Press Media Editors contest."
  • The 2026 Poynter Journalism Prizes comprise 12 award categories, including two new prizes recognizing reporting on climate change ($10,000) and poverty ($2,500). Deadline: Feb. 13, 2026.
Awards

Pulitzer Prize Books and Journalism Competitions

The Pulitzer Prizes, established in 1917, are awarded annually in journalism, books, music and drama. "There are 23 Pulitzer categories. In 22 of those categories the winners receive a $15,000 cash award and a certificate. Only the winner in the Public Service category of the Journalism competition is awarded a gold medal. The Public Service Prize is always awarded to a news organization, not an individual, although an individual or a team may be named in the citation."
  • Books: The final deadline for books published in the 2025 calendar year was Oct. 15.
  • Journalism: There are 15 categories. Work must have appeared in a regularly published U.S. newspaper, magazine, wire service or news site. Deadline is January 26, 2026.
Awards

RJI Pictures of the Year International Competition

"Pictures of the Year International began as a photographic contest in 1944 by Cliff Edom at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. ... POY is an educational program. Connecting students and the public with the curated work in POY shows the value of photojournalism and allows people to interpret the news and historic events through an empathetic lens." POY comprises Pictures of the Year International (deadline Jan. 18, 2026),  CPOY (College Photographer of the Year), POY Latam (Latin America; biannual, next in 2027) and POY Asia. POY International has 83 categories, including Science & Natural History, Science & Natural History Picture Story and Environmental Vision Award, some with cash prizes.
Awards

NPPA Best of Photojournalism

National Press Photographers Association

"Photojournalists bear witness to history on a daily basis. They stand on the sidewalks and sit in the living rooms of neighborhoods internationally with a shared mission to inform the public. Through well-researched stories and the documentation of life events, audiences rely on these journalists to ethically inform them of what is happening in their communities and to give an understanding to why specific moments in time should matter to us all. The Best of Photojournalism recognizes the ways in which this type of photography is produced and it proudly honors the journalists who do it. It also recognizes all of the steps it takes to execute compelling still and video imagery in the modern news era." Multiple categories, including science. Deadline: Jan. 18, 2026.
Awards

ABSW Young Science Writer Award

Association of British Science Writers

"The Young Science Writer Award (YSWA) celebrates the creativity and passion of young writers who explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Open to students aged 14-16 from state-funded, non-selective schools across the UK (or those home-schooled due to disability), this prestigious competition encourages participants to write engaging, informative and investigative essays on scientific topics that matter. Whether tackling climate change, AI, healthcare, or exploring the future of space exploration, the YSWA aims to foster critical thinking, storytelling, and a deeper understanding of how science shapes our world. Join us in this exciting journey of scientific discovery and communication. We are awarding £2,500 in cash prizes, alongside a significantly expanded prize package."  2026 competition window: Jan. 7-March 19.
Awards

SPJ New America Award

Society of Professional Journalists

"SPJ’s New America Award honors public service journalism that explores and exposes issues of importance to immigrant or ethnic communities in the United States. Although not required, collaboration with ethnic media is taken into account. To be eligible, work must have been published or broadcast during the 2025 calendar year. SPJ welcomes entries from media outlets, journalists, community and issue advocacy groups, individuals and others concerned with ethnic issues." Past honorees include many science-related stories. Deadline: March 11, 2026.
Awards

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

"BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences." Deadline: March 1, 2026.
Awards

Canadian Association of Journalists Annual Awards

The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) awards are given for outstanding Canadian reporting, particularly with a focus on investigative work. Cash prizes are offered in several categories, including Photojournalism, Environmental and Climate Change, Emerging Indigenous Journalist, Student, Data Journalism, Freedom of Information Journalism and more. Winners of the CAJ awards will be announced during the CAJ’s annual conference in spring. Open to any journalist whose work has been published or broadcast in Canada. Deadline: January 13, 2026.
Awards

Wildscreen Panda Awards

"The Wildscreen Panda Awards honour the very best in natural world storytelling craft globally. The world-renowned Panda Awards have been the heart of the Wildscreen Festival since they were presented at the first Festival back in 1982. They celebrate the very best in the natural world storytelling craft and remain the highest honour in the international wildlife film and TV industry." The 2026 festival takes place Oct. 19-22 in the UK. Deadlines: February 24 (earlybird); April 16 (regular); May 13 (late).
Awards

CJF Awards

"The Canadian Journalism Foundation supports and rewards excellence in Canadian journalism through its annual awards program and by supporting recognition programs run by other organizations. The recipients are presented their awards at the annual CJF Awards, held in June." Cash prizes in multiple categories including Climate Solutions Reporting, Climate Photojournalism and, new in 2026, the CJF Hinton Award for Excellence in AI Safety Reporting. Deadline: January 23, 2026.
Awards

SWCC Book Awards

"For over 20 years, the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) Book Awards has celebrated great science books for readers of all ages. There are two categories, Youth and General, each with $1,000 award. SWCC also awards the $500 Paradigm Prize for Underrepresented Perspectives in Science Writing to a first-time author, an author/illustrator from an equity-seeking or underrepresented background, and/or work published by a small press or independent publisher, selected from the finalists for the two main categories." Deadline: Nov. 7, 2025.
Awards

One World Media Awards

"The One World Media Awards celebrate underreported stories from around the world. We champion stories that demonstrate originality, creativity, and the potential to catalyse change. All entries must highlight underreported stories or issues, or explore new angles on familiar topics." Open Jan. 12-Feb. 9, 2026.
Awards

UNSW Press Bragg Prize for Science Writing

"From the furthest reaches of the universe to the microscopic world of our genes, science offers writers the kind of scope other subjects simply can’ t match. Good writing about science can be moving, funny, exhilarating or poetic, but it will always be honest and rigorous about the research that underlies it. ... To recognise the best of the best, UNSW Press has established an annual prize for the best short non-fiction piece on science written for a general audience. First prize is $7000. Two runners-up will each receive a prize of $1500. All the shortlisted entries are included in The Best Australian Science Writing, NewSouth's annual collection featuring the finest Australian science writing of the year." Open to residents of Australia.  Deadline: March 31, 2026.
Awards

Solutions Journalism Network Awards

"The Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) Awards honor and celebrate outstanding examples of solutions journalism from around the world. By spotlighting these stories, we aim to elevate what excellence in this craft looks like and inspire more rigorous, impactful reporting." Open to journalists working in newsrooms of any size or freelancers. Cash prizes. Deadline: Feb. 27, 2026.
Awards

John Bartlow Martin Award for Public Interest Magazine Journalism

Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University

Medill invites entries by Jan. 9, 2026 for a single story or a series that sheds "light on the causes, consequences and remedies of problems in American society." $4,000 cash prize.
Awards

SPJ Sigma Delta Chi Awards

The Society of Professional Journalists awards "recognize the best in professional journalism in categories covering print/online, audio, television, and more," including but not limited to Inequities in Society, Investigative Reporting, Science/Environment/Climate Reporting, Public Service in Journalism and Photography. 2026 deadlines: Jan. 6 (early bird); Feb. 18 (regular).
Awards

Hillman Prizes in Journalism

Sidney Hillman Foundation

These prizes honor "journalists who pursue investigative reporting and deep storytelling in service of the common good. The Hillman Prizes strive to recognize discernment of a significant news story, resourcefulness and courage in reporting, skill in relating the story and the impact of the coverage. ... The contest is open to journalists globally, although work must have been widely accessible to a U.S. audience. Stories may be on any topic but we prioritize entries with U.S impact." $5,000 honorarium. Deadline: Jan. 30, 2026.
Awards

Canadian Hillman Prize

Sidney Hillman Foundation

These prizes "honour excellence in journalism in service of the common good. The Hillman Prizes seek out investigative reporting that draws attention to social or economic injustice and leads to meaningful public policy change. We strive to recognize discernment of a significant news story, resourcefulness and courage in reporting, skill in relating the story and the impact of the coverage." There's no fee to enter and no limit to the number of entries one journalist, publication or outlet may enter. Entries must be published in Canada and be widely accessible to a Canadian audience. Winners receive an honorarium and certificate at an event in April 2026. Deadline: Jan. 15.
Awards

Planet Forward Storyfest Awards

"There is no story more gripping than that of our changing planet — and the solutions to sustain it. While problems ranging from climate justice to conservation, from rising sea levels to increasing heat waves, from the continuing pandemic to our plastic addiction, we’re looking for the stories surrounding the people, ideas, and innovations moving the world toward a greener future. The Planet Forward Storyfest Awards highlight the voices of students, seeking to understand and illuminate innovations for how to best care for the earth. We are looking for stories that inspire, motivate, and drive change. Stories that are compelling, thought-provoking, and vibrantly stimulating. Be memorable, have an impact — and have fun." Deadline: Feb. 9, 2026 extended to Feb. 23.
Awards

World Press Photo Contest

"The annual World Press Photo Contest recognizes and celebrates the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the last year. Entering is free and prizes include up to €10,000, inclusion in our annual traveling exhibition, and more. Entries for the 2026 World Press Photo Contest will open on 1 December 2025 and close on 17 January 2026."
Awards

SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards

"Annually, the Society of Professional Journalists presents the Mark of Excellence Awards, honoring the best in student journalism. Categories are first judged on the regional level. First-place regional winners advance to the national competition, and most are recognized at their respective regional SPJ conference. National winners will be showcased on spj.org. The Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best Student Newspaper carries a $5,000 prize each of the large- and small-division winners, courtesy of the Chronicle of Higher Education." 2026 deadlines: Jan. 6 (earlybird); Feb. 11 (final).
Awards

New Media Writing Prize

The Media School at Bournemouth University in the UK awards cash prizes in multiple categories for "good storytelling (fiction or non-fiction) written specifically for delivery and reading/viewing on a PC or Mac, the web, or a hand-held device such as an iPad or mobile phone. It could be a short story, novel, poem, narrative game, documentary, or transmedia work using words, images, film or animation with audience interaction. Interactivity is a key element of new-media storytelling." Open to all ages, anywhere in the world. Deadline: Feb. 1, 2026.
Awards

Sony World Photography Awards

“With its unparalleled reach, the Sony World Photography Awards elevate the careers of photographers to the next level. Since the beginning, the Awards have championed inclusivity and access by being free to enter. Acting as an insight into photography today in all its diversity, the Awards spotlights photographers telling the stories of our time.” Prizes include cash, equipment and more. There are four competitions with many categories, including but not limited to Environment, Landscape, Wildlife & Nature, Lifestyle.
  • Professional (Jan. 1, 2026 deadline)
  • Open (Jan. 6, 2026 deadline)
  • Student (Nov. 28, 2025 deadline)
  • Youth (Jan. 6, 2026 deadline)
Awards

Worth Bingham Prize for Investigative Journalism

"The $20,000 Worth Bingham Prize honors investigative reporting of stories of national significance where the public interest is being ill-served. These stories may involve state, local or national government, lobbyists or the press itself, wherever an 'atmosphere of easy tolerance' exists, as journalist Worth Bingham himself once described public misconduct in his reporting on the nation’s capital. The investigative reporting may cover actual violations of the law, rule or code; lax or ineffective administration or enforcement; or activities that create conflicts of interest, entail excessive secrecy or otherwise raise questions of propriety." Deadline: January 21, 2026.