The deadline for the First Amendment Coalition’s Free Speech & Open Government Awards is January 30! Make sure you submit your nomination for the year’s best contributions to the advancement of open government and freedom of expression and information.
We know there’s some excellent work out there that deserves to be nominated. Maybe you read an excellent piece of investigative journalism that exposed government malfeasance. Maybe you know an activist who’s used public records to reveal corruption at a police department. (Or maybe that’s you!)
We want to hear about all of this! Submit your nomination by January 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST.
The FAC awards honor those who speak out and fight to advance the rights FAC champions – free speech, a free press, and open government. Past winners have delved into how corrupt cops get rehired in other police departments, the botched rollout of a flawed 911 system, and illegal rent increases in San Diego.
See all the past winners here.
Rules & Eligibility
- This is a national contest. Tell us how this work made an impact and where the impact was felt.
- There is no fee to enter.
- There is no limit to the number of nominations submitted by any person or organization.
- Self-nominations are encouraged!
- Members of FAC’s board of directors or staff are not eligible to be nominees. If FAC had a substantial role in work submitted for nomination, please highlight how this work should be considered irrespective of FAC’s involvement.
- Nominations must be for work done and/or results achieved from Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025.
Award winners will receive $1,000 and a certificate. Winners will be announced on March 2, 2026.
Questions? Email award[at]firstamendmentcoalition[dot]org.