11. National Genealogical Society Writing Competitions
The National Genealogical Society offers a number of writing awards each year:
- Family History Writing Contest
- Award for Excellence: Genealogy and Family History Book
- Award for Excellence: Genealogical Methods and Sources
Winners for all three are announced at the annual NGS conference.
Deadline: 31 January
12. NGS Home Study Course Scholarship Award
An scholarship which covers the complete cost of the NGS American Genealogy: A Home Study Course (approximately $475 value) is awarded annually to a deserving individual. Application is by essay and preference is given to individuals "who have demonstrated serious interest in genealogy by attending regional and/or local conferences, undertaking genealogical training, and subscribing to genealogical publications." Applicants must be an NGS member.
Deadline: 31 January
13. NGS Newsletter Competition
This annual competition recognizes outstanding newsletters published by genealogical or historical society or association. Applicants must be a NGS member organization.
Deadline: 31 December
14. Ohio Genealogical Society Writing Contest
This annual genealogy writing contest selects three winning articles in each of four categories. The first prize winner will receive a one-year OGS membership, a one-year subscription to Ohio Records & Pioneer Families and a one-year subscription to the Ohio Civil War Genealogy Journal. The second place winner will receive his or her choice of two of the above listed prizes. The third place winner will receive his or her choice of one of the above named prizes. Winning entries will also be featured in the appropriate journal. Articles should focus on Ohio history and genealogy, Ohio records groups, Ohioans who left to settle elsewhere or Ohio families.
Deadline: February 1
15. Oklahoma Genealogical Society Family Story Writing Contest
Open to all genealogists (membership in OGS not required), this annual family story writing contest accepts stories of all types, up to 2500 words. There should be some connection to Oklahoma, either in the story or through the author's residence.
Deadline: Generally in April or May
16. Ontario Genealogical Society - Keffer Writing Contest
Unpublished genealogical writing focused on Canada or Ontario and genealogy are eligible for cash prizes in this annual contest sponsored by the Ontario Genealogical Society. If mutually agreeable, the winning entries will be published in Families.
Deadline: November 1
17. Pinellas Genealogist Family History Writing Competition
Entries to this annual genealogy writing competition should be "based on the author’s research of a family history or a genealogical account of family lines and lives, discussing the steps followed and the conclusions that resulted from the research." Winning entries receive cash prizes and will be announced at the Pinellas Genealogy Society’s annual Educational Seminar.
Deadline: October 31
18. Richard S. Lackey Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to "an experienced researcher employed in a paid or volunteer position, in the services of the genealogical community," this $500 scholarship covers full tuition at the (National Institute of Genealogical Research) NIGR, plus attendance at the Alumni Association dinner. Hotel and/or meal costs will be partially defrayed.
Deadline: Varies by year. Usually January or February.
19. Rubincam Youth Award
Established in 1986 to honor Milton Rubincam, CG, FASG, FNGS, the Rubincam Youth Award is given annually to a student in two age categories for a prepared genealogy. The award winner in the Junior category (grades 7-9) receives a plaque, the NGS Home Study Course and a one-year NGS membership. The Senior Award winner (grades 10-12) receives a $500 cash prize, the NGS Home Study course and a one-year NGS membership. Winning submissions may appear in the NGS NewsMagazine.
Deadline: 31 January
20. The Ruth C. Bishop Volunteer Hall of Honor Award
This prestigious award sponsored by the Federation of Genealogical Societies recognizes the generous spirit and work ethic of genealogical society volunteers, both present and past. Ruth Bishop, a special friend of FGS, personally presents the prestigious Living Volunteer Award to the recipient at the annual FGS conference banquet. The award winner also receives airfare, hotel, conference registration, and a banquet ticket for the annual FGS Conference. A cash award of $1,000.00 is also awarded to the nominating society of the Living Volunteer winner.
Deadline: 17 April
21. The SCGS GENEii Family History Writers Contest
The annual GENEii Family History Writers Contest, now in its tenth year, offers cash prizes in two categories: 1) Family or local history articles of 1,000–2,000 words in length (published or unpublished) and 2) Family or local history articles of 1,000 words or less (published or unpublished). Stories that concern any aspect of family or local history from anywhere and from any era are welcome.
Deadline: December 31
22. Texas State Genealogical Society - Awards & Scholarships
The Texas State Genealogical Society (TSGS) awards a number of different scholarships, grants and cash prizes for partner societies or individual members of TSGS, including a number of writing competitions, website awards and a student scholarship. Application requirements and deadlines vary for each program so check the website for details.
Deadline: varies by competition
