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For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.
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Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
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SPJ.org
– News
– Calendar
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About SPJ
– SDX Foundation
– SPJ Experts
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– Board of Directors
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– History and Timeline
– Donate
– Advertise
– Merchandise
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– Freelancers
– Students
– Educators
– International
– Generation J
SPJ Members
– Members Home
– Edit Profile
– Renew Membership
– Membership Directory
– Join SPJ
– Why Join?
Tip: Press the ESC key to instantly call up a feed containing all the newest SPJ news and updates to our social channels.
For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.
We invite you to join us today!
– Join Online
– Benefits of an SPJ Membership
– Membership Fees
1. Join online
2. Download a form and join by mail or fax [PDF]
3. Request an application by mail
Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
– How SPJ Works for You
– Discounted Services for Members
– Testimonials: Why I'm a Member
– Three Reasons to Join: Education, Support, Advocacy
– Membership Fees
– Join Now!
– FOI Resources
– FOI Committee Blog
– FOI FAQ: Pros | Students
– Shield Law
– News/Articles
– Find FOI Locally
– Ethics Resources
– SPJ Code of Ethics
– Ethics Committee Blog
– Committee Position Papers
– News/Articles
– Answers/Get Help
– Diversity Resources
– Diversity Committee Blog
– News/Articles
– Rainbow Diversity Sourcebook
– Diversity Toolbox
– Resources/Guidelines
– Training on Demand Videos
– Webinars on Demand
– Spring Conferences
– Journcamp
– For Journalism
– Ted Scripps Leadership Institute
– Online Tips and Tutorials
– On-Site Training
– Sat, Nov 08, 2014: SPJ JournCamp: Miami [Training]
– Fri, Nov 14, 2014: Ted Scripps Leadership Institute: Columbus, Ohio [Training] [Leaders]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards] [Convention]
– Job Bank
– SPJ Freelancer Directory
– Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
– Journalist's Toolbox
– SPJ Experts
– Freelancers
– Young Professionals
[Generation J]
– Students
– Educators
– International Journalists
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
– Home
– Board of Directors
– Donors Circle
– Give Monthly
– Planned Giving
– Memorial & Tribute Gifts
– Signature Programs
– Grants Information
– Documentation
Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Nashville for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2014 Recap
– 2013 Recap
– 2012 Recap
– 2011 Recap
– 2010 Recap
– 2009 Recap
– 2008 Recap
– 2007 Recap
– 2006 Recap
– National Contests
– Awards, Fellowships and Internships
– SPJ Honors: Public | Members
– National Chapter Awards
– Local/Regional Contests
– Mon, Dec 01, 2014: Fellows of the Society Award 2014 Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Jan 23, 2015: 2014 Mark of Excellence Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 06, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 13, 2015: New America Award Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Sat, Feb 28, 2015: High School Essay Contest Postmark Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Sunshine Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Historic Sites in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards] [Convention]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Ethics in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Regional Director of the Year Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Wells Memorial Key Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Julie Galvan Outstanding Campus Member Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: David Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Howard S. Dubin Outstanding Pro Member Award Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 24, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Winners Announcement [SPJ Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing Application Deadline [Awards] [Fellowships]
– Fri, Jun 26, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Banquet [SPJ Awards]
– Spring Conferences
– Find FOI in Your State
– Start a Chapter in Your Area
– SPJ Leaders home
– Leading Edge Blog
– Scripps Leadership Institute
– Downloadable Resources
– Start a Chapter
– Annual Reports, Best Practices and more
– Member Directory Search
– Chapter Directory
– Prospective Members Report
– Members Not Renewing Report
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
– Contact SPJ Headquarters
– Employment Opportunities
– Advertise with SPJ
Have a question or working on a story and need a knowledgable SPJ and journalism-industry source? Try one of these SPJ experts first.
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Home > Awards > Sunshine Award
Awards
Sunshine Award
for important contributions in the area of open government
Postmark deadline for nominations: March 20
The Sunshine Award recognizes individuals and groups for making important contributions in the area of open government.
The SPJ board of directors selects honorees for the Sunshine Award based on recommendations from the national SPJ Freedom of Information Committee. There is no predetermined number of honorees for selection.
2014 Honorees
The Guardian US
Center for Public Integrity
Robert Freeman
Kathryn Foxhall
Read the Press Release
2013
Read press release
Michael Donoghue
Seth Rosenfeld
Sunlight Foundation
2012
Read press release
Bloomberg News
Medill Innocence Project
Republican-American
2011
Read press release
Anne Geggis
Samantha Turley and Marcus Constantino
Wall Street Journal Staff
2010
Read press release
David Andreatta
Jill Riepenhoff and Todd Jones
Charlene Charlie Padilla
The Advocate
2009
Read press release
Project On Government Oversight
2008
Read press release
Robert Faturechi
Teri Henning
Laurie Roberts
2007
Read press release
Bill Chamberlin
Connecticut Network
The Seattle Times
2006
Read press release
Ryan Nees, Kokomo, Indiana
Nancy Conway, Salt Lake Tribune
John Hughes, The Deseret Morning News
2005
J.W. August, KGTV San Diego
Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General
2004
Joe Adams, The Florida Times-Union/IDigAnswers.com
Megan Fromm, Mesa State College
The Montana FOI Hotline
2003
Marion Brechner Citizen Access Project
Roger Jewell
Chicago Headline Club
Gregory Korte, Ohio Project Sunshine Co-Chair
Society of Environmental Journalists
FOI-L Listserv
2002
California Newspaper Publishers Association
California First Amendment Coalition, Sacramento, CA
Joseph Tyrrell, Hillsborough, NJ
Pennsylvania First Amendment Coalition/Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, Harrisburg, PA
Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, Gainesville, FL
Florida Society of Newspaper Editors, Tallahassee, FL
Barbara Petersen, First Amendment Foundation, Tallahassee, FL
2001
SPJ Kansas Pro Chapter
Linda Lightfoot, executive editor of The Advocate in Baton Rouge, La.
FOIAdvocates, Eugene, Ore
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa
Chief Justice Robert A. Miller
The South Dakota Supreme Court
SPJ Queen City Pro Chapter, Cincinnati OH
Linda Tracy
Wyoming Attorney General Gay Woodhouse
Eligibility
Nominations are open and not limited to journalists. Work may be, but does not have to be, related to Project Sunshine.
Nominations
Nomination form should be accompanied by a letter(s) of recommendation that addresses the nominees contributions and/or service to the Society of Professional Journalists and why the nominee is deserving of this national recognition.
Winner Announcement and Presentation
Winners will be honored at the President's Installation Banquet at the SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference. No specific number of awards is awarded each year.
Submit all nomination materials unbound on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Additional supporting materials are welcomed and should be limited to 10 pages.
Deadlines
Nominations must be postmarked on or before March 20. Nominations should be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
Sunshine Award
Society of Professional Journalists
3909 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Fax: 317/920-4789
awards@spj.org
For More Information
Contact SPJ Headquarters at 317/927-8000 or e-mail: awards@spj.org