Melvin MS Goo Writing Fellowship 2026 – Up to $10,000 Grant for Journalists and Writers

The Melvin MS Goo Writing Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious international fellowship designed for journalists, authors, and professional writers who are working on original projects that improve understanding between the United States and China.

With funding of up to $10,000, the fellowship supports research, writing, and publication of meaningful stories that promote cross-cultural dialogue and global awareness.

Administered by the East-West Center and funded through the Melvin M.S. Goo Memorial Fund, this fellowship continues the legacy of one of the most respected cross-cultural journalists of his time. Writers selected for the fellowship gain financial support, recognition, and the opportunity to share their work with public audiences across both regions.

If you are a journalist or writer looking for international writing fellowships in 2026, this opportunity could help you complete and publish a powerful, research-driven project.

Summary Table Melvin MS Goo Writing Fellowship 2026

About the Melvin MS Goo Writing Fellowship 2026

The Melvin M.S. Goo Writing Fellowship honors the life and work of Melvin M.S. Goo, a veteran journalist whose career spanned more than three decades across Asia and the United States. Born in Macau and educated in Hawai‘i, Goo played a major role in international journalism and cross-cultural storytelling.

He served in senior editorial roles including:

• Chief News Editor at The Nikkei Weekly

• Editor-in-Chief at Taiwan News

Throughout his career, Goo focused on balanced reporting, thoughtful storytelling, and promoting understanding across cultures. This fellowship reflects his legacy by supporting writers who produce insightful, research-based work on U.S.–China relations and related global issues.

Fellowship Benefits

The Melvin M.S. Goo Writing Fellowship provides several important benefits to selected fellows:

Financial Grant

Recipients receive up to $10,000 to support the research, development, and completion of their writing project.

Support for Research and Writing

The fellowship allows writers to dedicate time and resources to produce high-quality, well-researched content.

Publication Opportunity

Fellows are encouraged to publish or distribute their work for public audiences in the United States and/or China.

Optional Travel Funding

Funding may be used for travel related to the project, although travel is not mandatory.

This fellowship is ideal for writers seeking international journalism grants in 2026 to complete meaningful and impactful projects.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for the Melvin M.S. Goo Writing Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a citizen or permanent resident of:

  • United States, or

  • People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau)

• Must be an individual journalist, writer, or author

• Must demonstrate strong commitment to promoting better understanding between the U.S. and China

• Applications are reviewed without discrimination based on ethnicity, background, or ancestry

Writing Project Requirements

Applicants must propose an original writing project that meets the fellowship guidelines:

• The project must be original and unpublished

• Must be written in English or Chinese

  • Chinese projects must include an English translation

• The final work must be intended for public distribution (print, digital, or media platforms)

• The project must be completed by December 2026

• The writing should be clear, well-researched, and suitable for public audiences

Strong proposals often focus on underreported stories, cultural perspectives, economic developments, or social issues related to U.S.–China relations.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed by a panel of journalism professionals and U.S.–China experts. Projects are evaluated based on:

• Ability to strengthen understanding between the United States and China

• Coverage of underreported or overlooked topics

• Potential reach and influence of the work

• Quality and reliability of research sources

• Creativity, clarity, and originality of the project

Projects that promote divisive, inflammatory, or biased narratives that conflict with the fellowship’s mission will not be selected.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete application package including:

• Completed online application form

• Project proposal (maximum 6 pages) including:

  • Project concept

  • Objectives

  • Timeline

  • Target audience

  • Expected impact

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume (maximum 2 pages)

• Three samples of previous writing work

• Two professional references with recommendation letters

• Optional but recommended: Letter of commitment from a publisher or distributor

Submitting strong writing samples and a clear proposal significantly improves your chances of selection.

Application Deadline and Timeline

• Application Deadline: March 2, 2026

• Project Completion Deadline: December 2026

Why Apply for the Melvin MS Goo Writing Fellowship?

This fellowship is highly competitive and respected in international journalism circles. Key reasons to apply include:

• Generous funding of up to $10,000

• Global recognition and credibility

• Opportunity to publish internationally

• Supports independent journalists and writers

• Encourages meaningful cross-cultural storytelling

• Ideal for research-based writing projects

For journalists and writers interested in writing fellowships 2026, journalism grants, or international writing funding, this is one of the top opportunities available.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should visit the official East-West Center fellowship page, review the guidelines, and submit their application before the deadline.

Prepare your project proposal, writing samples, and recommendation letters early to increase your chances of success.

For more information, click here. 

FAQs

1. What is the Melvin M.S. Goo Writing Fellowship 2026?

It is an international fellowship that provides up to $10,000 in funding to journalists and writers working on original projects that improve understanding between the United States and China.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the Melvin M.S. Goo Fellowship?

Applicants must be journalists, writers, or authors who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or China (including Hong Kong and Macau).

3. How much funding does the Melvin M.S. Goo Fellowship provide?

Selected fellows can receive up to $10,000 to support research, writing, and project completion.

4. What type of projects are supported?

The fellowship supports original writing projects focused on U.S.–China relations, including cultural, social, economic, and political topics.

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