Richard S. Holden Diversity Fellowship
The Richard S. Holden Diversity Fellowship supports early- and mid-career editors working to grow their skills and advance in the field. If you are investing in your development but lack access to training or resources, this fellowship is designed to help.
Applications are open June 1 to July 15 (11:59 p.m. ET).
About the fellowship
The fellowship is sponsored by the ACES Education Fund in partnership with the Dow Jones News Fund.
It honors Richard S. Holden, a longtime leader in news editing who championed diversity and inclusion across the profession.
Each fellow receives up to $3,000 to support career development, including:
- Course tuition
- Conference fees
- Travel
- Other training-related expenses
Fellows also receive a one-year ACES membership.
Who this is for
This fellowship is for editors who are actively working to grow, but need support to do it.
You might be:
- Looking to develop new skills or deepen your expertise
- Exploring a new direction in your career
- Working as a freelancer or contractor without employer support
- Managing your own professional development
ACES defines editing broadly. If you help shape writing to improve clarity and meaning, this applies to you.
Why apply
Get funding for your development
Use the fellowship to access training, conferences, or programs that would otherwise be out of reach.
Invest in your next step
Build skills, shift direction, or strengthen your position in the field.
Move forward with a plan
Applicants submit a development plan and budget, so the support is tied to real, actionable goals.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have at least three years of professional editing experience
- Work in editing or a role where editing is a significant part of the work
Editing experience may include journalism, publishing, marketing, communications, or related fields.
Internships completed after a bachelor’s degree may count toward the experience requirement.
ACES membership is not required to apply.
Preference is given to applicants who do not have employer support for training.
How to apply
Three to five fellowships of up to $3,000 each will be awarded; funding is intended for course tuition, conference fees, travel, or other costs related to continuing career and skill development. Editors from diverse backgrounds and
underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.
To apply, please send in one PDF file:
- A current resume/CV
- A personal statement
- An action plan
The deadline to apply for a Holden Diversity Fellowship is July 15 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Personal statement: Please tell us about where you have been, where you are and what you aspire to do in your editing career. Discuss your views on the importance of diversity and inclusion in your personal work and in the wider world of editing and communication. Share with us specific actions, successes and even frustrations you have dealt with to advance the cause of inclusion and understanding. If you have been active in ACES and other affinity organizations,
tell us about that. Please aim for 600-750 words.
Action plan: A proposed plan of action, including an approximate timeline, listing programs to which you have applied or to which you hope to apply and to which you would devote your fellowship funds.
Please email application materials as a single PDF file to ACES Education Fund Vice President Maisha Maurant at mtmaurant@aceseditors.org, no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT July 15, 2026.
Suggested programs and training options
You can use the fellowship to support the training that makes sense for your goals.
You may apply funds to programs you choose on your own, or explore a curated list of suggested options.
These include training programs, courses, and conferences that fellows have used to build skills, specialize, or advance their careers.
How selection works
Applications are reviewed based on:
- The clarity and strength of your development plan
- Your commitment to growth
- Your need for support
Receiving the fellowship does not guarantee acceptance into external programs. Fellows are responsible for applying separately and confirming participation.
Funds are distributed based on approved expenses and may be used over an 18-month period.
About Richard S. Holden
Richard S. Holden was a leader in news editing and a strong advocate for diversity in the profession.
This fellowship continues his work by supporting editors who are building their careers and expanding access to opportunities across the field.
Questions
Please direct inquiries to info@aceseditors.org. We welcome your questions and suggestions.Â