2009 Nation Student Writing Contest

Sponsored by the BIL Charitable Trust to recognize and reward the best in student writing

How has the recession affected you, your family or someone you know?

Essays should not exceed 800 words and should be original, unpublished work that demonstrates fresh, clear thinking and superior quality of expression and craftsmanship. Winners receive $1000 and are published in The Nation magazine.

We'll select five high school and five collegiate finalists and two winners--one from college, one from high school. Each winner will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a Nation subscription. The winning essays will be published in a special youth issue of the magazine in October, 2009,  and will be featured at TheNation.com. The finalists will be awarded $250 each and subscriptions, and their entries will be published online.


Entries (only one per student) will be accepted through May 31, 2009. A winner will be announced by September 15.

Please send entries to studentprize@thenation.com

Giving USA Photo Contest 2009 - Apply Now

For do-gooder photographers, Giving USA is seeking images for their cover.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: April 15, 2009

Giving USA Foundation is seeking unique and compelling photos to grace the cover of its seminal report, Giving USA. This popular contest will showcase the work of a talented photographer on the cover of Giving USA 2009, as well as the back cover and interior chapters. We are seeking images of people providing direct assistance through a charitable organization or volunteer effort that represents the spirit of giving. Activities could include fundraising, delivery of services, or other types of assistance.

Photos selected for the cover will be printed in black and white or black with another color (duotone).

Entries must be:

Available in at least 300 dpi resolution;
Electronic format (JPEG preferred);
Owned by the entrant (individual or organization), who will agree to give Giving USA permission to use the photo at no charge;
Accompanied by an entry form, including assurance that subject(s) of photograph have given permission in writing for the photograph to be used.

Color photos accepted, but black and white preferred.

The judges will be looking for photographs that reproduce well in black and white (or duotone), that convey the importance of giving, that tell a story, and that are not dominated by the logo, name, or service mark of any one charity. The judges' selection will be final. A blue ribbon panel of nationally-known photographers will select the winners.


Winning entries will receive:
Acknowledgement in Giving USA 2009
A complimentary copy of Giving USA 2009 ($75 retail value)
Prominent mention in press release distributed to major media in the philanthropy sector
Their photos posted at the Giving USA Web site for an unspecified time but beginning around June 29, 2009.

Send submissions by e-mail to sbond@connect2amc.com or by mail (on CD) to Sharon Bond, Giving USA Foundation, 4700 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025. Only electronic images will be accepted (jpeg format preferred). For judging purposes, low-res images are acceptable, but high-res versions must be available (at least 300 dpi) from the winner.

For Online Submissions, Apply at http://www.givingusa.org/press_releases/gusa/contest/