The Sidney Prize recognizes outstanding writing that uncovers injustice in society or exposes economic or social problems, awarding a monetary award as well as joining an inclusive writing community committed to justice and truth. Established in memory of professor Sidney Cox (Dartmouth 1927-52), its committee comprises former students and friends of Professor Cox such as Robert Frost ’96, A. B. Guthrie and active chairman Budd Schulberg (Dartmouth 1936-48).
This year’s Sidney Prize finalists include two essays: one about death penalty; and the other on how the wealthy can avoid taxes by setting up private trusts. Both essays demonstrate the power of long-form writing to expose hidden truths and unacknowledging injustices that most don’t want to acknowledge.
Michael Lewis writes about those with clear perceptions who can see reality while the rest of humanity remains lost in delusion. As examples of such people he points to Meredith Whitney and Steve Eisman – two financial analysts who early understood the U.S. economy was faltering and predicted rising default rates;
David Brooks of The New York Times’ columnist selects some of the year’s best long-form essays each year as candidates for The Sidney Prize. Many of his selections have honored top authors like Hilton Als and Ed Yong from top national publications like The Atlantic or other top publications.
The 2024 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize is open to writers nationwide and internationally at any stage in their careers, from emerging to established authors. The winning author receives $5000 prize money and their short story will be published by Overland magazine; two runners-up each receive $750 as prize money. Our judges, Patrick Lenton, Alice Bishop and Sara Saleh reviewed over 500 submissions before selecting our winning writer.
The Hillman Foundation is a left-leaning non-profit organization that annually awards monetary prizes for journalism in service of the public good. Although not widely respected among labor movement members, its leadership includes union presidents emeritus from Workers United and SEIU. Furthermore, fellowships and grants offered through this foundation support journalism; its Sidney Hillman Prize recognizes investigative reporting that promotes common good; it was first presented as part of their inaugural awards event held in 2014 which honored journalism that exposed social injustices.