The Historical Foundation encourages the writing and publication of manuscripts relating to the history of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, their people, institutions, and agencies.

One of the means of encouraging such writing is the annual Historical Foundation Award in Cumberland Presbyterian History. People are encouraged to write local history; particularly with regard to information on local churches, dates of organization, pastors, membership, events, etc. In addition, there is a need for biographies, histories of synods, presbyteries, and certain aspects of women's work, and especially so with regard to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.

A special award of $300 will be given to the author of the best manuscript on a selected historical subject in our history which meets the following criteria:

1. A previously unpublished work
2. A minimum of 10 typewritten pages (double-spaced), not book length
3. Documentation following Modern Language Association Handbook or other recognized style manual.
4. Bibliography
5. Use of original sources such as archival materials, periodicals, minutes, photographs, records, tapes, etc. For       biographies, some oral history may be essential.)

An awards committee appointed by the Foundation's Board of Trustees will judge the papers. The period for submission of entries runs from January 1 to December 31 of the current year with the award granted in the following calendar year. All entries must be accompanied by an entry form and must be received by December 31 for entry in the competition for the current year. Entries received after December 31 will be held over for competition in the following year.