The Jim Murray Memorial Foundation's (JMMF) primary purpose is to raise money for the “Murray Scholars” journalism scholarships. Currently, 28 universities participate annually in a national essay competition. A one-time only $5,000.00 scholarship is awarded to five undergraduate journalism students. Eligible students are sophomores and juniors with a career interest in journalism, specifically sports writing. Jim Murray's alma mater, Trinity College (Hartford, Conn.) is guaranteed an annual scholarship.



You don’t have to be a sports journalist to apply, but it helps. The annual essay question is a sports related topic, so a bit of sports knowledge will help immensely. The winners of the scholarship are selected from a national essay competition. A specially designed question is submitted to the participating universities. Students then submit their essays to their school's journalism department for review. Each university then selects one (1) essay to submit to the JMMF for consideration. Once all essays have been received by the deadline specified in the annual guidelines, the JMMF will submit the essays to a panel of five (5) judges who are well-known published writers and completely independent of the Foundation. The judges select four (4) essay winners (Trinity is the exception). Winners are announced in early August.


There's more to just receiving a check when you become a “Murray Scholar.” The five (5) scholarship winners are flown to southern California for the annual Jim Murray Memorial Foundation's Murray Scholars Private Reception and awards banquet where the Murray Scholars are presented their "Big Check" and scholarship certificate. The Murray Scholars Private Reception is also an opportunity for the new Scholars to meet previous winners, including Sports Illustrated writer, Arash Markazi, and Associated Press sportswriter, Ryan Pearson, as well as the JMMF Board of Directors, celebrities, sponsors and patrons of the JMMF. This is an opportunity to welcome your family into ours. Parents and family members are welcome to attend.


Are your ready to become a Murray Scholar? Please check with your journalism department for submission guidelines and essay question. If your school is not involved, please let them know you are interested in the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation journalism scholarship program and email us at getinvolved@jimmurrayfoundation.org. 



THE 2009 ESSAY QUESTION AND GUIDELINES WILL BE AVAILABLE EARLY FEBRUARY 2009.