Applications for the Knight Grants for Reporting on Religion and American Public Life are due July 1, 2012. For more information about Knight Grants and to apply, visit: http://annenberg.usc.edu/knight-grants

The competition, sponsored by the Knight Program in Media and Religion, provides funding for projects that explore how religion -- morals, values, spirituality and the search for meaning -- shapes responses to social issues, including housing, health care, poverty, sexuality, immigration, economic equity, and civil rights in the United States.

Those eligible for the grants include: staff reporters, affiliated freelancers and self-employed web journalists who work in the US and cover politics, social and cultural issues. Generalists and religion specialists also are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be awarded grants up to $20,000 to subsidize travel, living, and miscellaneous costs. Grants will be awarded through an application process overseen by the Knight Program in Media and Religion and are made possible through the generous support of the Ford Foundation.

Grant recipients will develop stories for delivery on multiple platforms. Awards will be announced September 2012, and projects must be complete by June 2013.