Grants & Awards
2022
Rolling
Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting - Global Grants
Deadline: Rolling
Applicants must include in their proposal letters of commitment from news outlets with significant reach to publish or broadcast their work, and we look favorably on applications for reporting that will appear in multiple outlets. There is no deadline for applications; grants are awarded on a rolling basis. Awards cover reporting costs and are based on reasonable, detailed budgets. Most awards for international travel are between $5,000 and $10,000, but may be more or less depending on circumstances. We expect news organizations to pay journalists for their work, though in exceptional cases, we may consider stipends to cover a reporter's time.
We support projects across all media platforms and encourage ambitious, prize-worthy proposals that combine print, photography, audio, and/or video for one or more news outlets. The most successful projects are those in which news outlets match our commitment by adding interactive or multimedia elements to enhance and showcase their original reporting.
Grants are open to reporters, photographers, radio/audio journalists, television/video journalists, and documentary filmmakers. We are committed to supporting journalists from diverse backgrounds and of all nationalities.
There are no restrictions on topic or reporting location for these grants.
Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting - Congo Basin Rainforest Fund Grants
Deadline: Rolling
The Pulitzer Center invites journalists who are working on projects related to tropical rainforests to submit a proposal to the Rainforest Journalism Fund. There are two types of grants available:
Grants for journalists reporting for major American and European news outlets on tropical rainforests in any part of the world. Applications must be in English.
Grants for journalists based in and reporting for local and regional outlets in the Congo Basin region.
Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting - Data Journalism Grants
Deadline: Rolling
The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, a non-profit organization that supports independent global journalism, is seeking applications for innovative data-driven journalism projects that spotlight underreported issues. This opportunity is open to all newsrooms and independent journalists in the United States and abroad
Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting - Gender Equality Grants
Deadline: Rolling
The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, a non-profit organization that supports independent global journalism, is seeking applications for investigative data-driven projects on issues related to gender equality and the empowerment of women & girls. This opportunity is open to all newsrooms and independent journalists in the United States and abroad
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
Deadline: September 2022
The first globally-oriented journalism prize aims to set an example to motivate journalists all over the world and to strengthen them in their work. In the 21st century, journalism’s role as an indispensable critical institution for democracy is continually and everywhere being put to the test: freedom of the press is limited, the media is politically controlled, economically instrumentalised, and digitally fragmented. The price for this is high: in many places the loss of a plural and independent representation of events or developments in the media is impacting upon the formation of free and critical opinion. This makes courageous and innovative reporters all the more important, in all societies and countries. It is for them that the True Story Award was created.
The central idea of the prize is to supplement and broaden the predominantly Western view of the world with other perspectives.
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
The Livingston Awards for Young Journalists
Deadline: February 2, 2022
The Livingston Awards for Young Journalists were established in 1981 to recognize outstanding reporting and bolster the careers of journalists under the age of 35. For 40 years of the Livingston Awards have identified exceptional young journalists and the next generation of newsroom leaders.
Each year, prizes of $10,000 each are presented in local, national and international reporting. Winners are selected by our panel of judges, who share a long-time commitment to our program and are highly respected for their achievements in journalism.
The Livingston Awards invites print, online, video, audio and data visualization entries.
Deadline: February 2022
Established in 1988, the One World Media Awards recognise the best media coverage of the global south. Stories that break through stereotypes, change the narrative and connect people across cultures.
January 2022
Deadline: January 2022
Each spring, Columbia University awards Pulitzer Prizes in 15 journalism categories. The winners are chosen by the Pulitzer Prize Board, which seeks to recognize journalistic excellence in eligible U.S. news organizations.
2021
2020
December 2021
Deadline: December 11, 2021
The Mobile Photo Awards is the longest running international competition open exclusively to photographs shot & edited on all mobile phones and tablets. Founded in 2011, we recognize and celebrate the talent and imagery of the mobile phone photo & art communities. Alongside our annual competition (October-December), we produce themed exhibits with international open calls throughout the year.
November 2021
Deadline: November 2021
For over 70 years, LIU has been the proud home of the George Polk Awards in Journalism, the first major award of its kind to recognize reporting across all media. This prestigious honor focuses on the intrepid, bold, and influential work of the reporters themselves, placing a premium on investigative work that is original, resourceful, and thought-provoking. Among the many journalism greats who are Polk laureates are Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, Walter Cronkite, Edward R. Murrow, Christiane Amanpour, I.F. Stone, Isabel Wilkerson, James Baldwin, Russell Baker, Norman Mailer, Seymour Hersh, and more.
Rolling
COVID-19 emergency fund calls for proposals, National Geographic
To cover COVID-19 within their own communities.
Amount: $1,000 - $8,000
Deadline: Rolling
August 2020
East Africa Press Photo Competitions | Uganda Press Photo Award
Winners will receive Canon equipment and other prizes including opportunities to showcase their work and mentorship for the young photographer awardee.
Deadline: August 1, 2020
Rory Peck Awards | Rory Peck Trust
Established in 1995, the Rory Peck Awards aim to give freelance journalists the recognition they deserve, rewarding the most outstanding work produced each year and highlighting the significant contribution by freelancers to the international media industry.
Deadline: August 10
June 2020
The Bayeux Calvados-Normandy Award for War Correspondents, Calvados General Council
Amount: $7,667
Deadline: June 15, 2020
"Stay at Home" Media Recognition Award, Merck Foundation
Amount: $500
Deadline: June 30, 2020
May 2020
Allard Prize Photography Competition, Allard Prize
Entries should focus on themes of courage and leadership in combating corruption, especially through promoting transparency, accountability and the Rule of Law, and of human rights and/or anti-corruption generally. Contestants may submit up to four images.
Amount: $690
Deadline: May 1, 2020
Women Photograph Grants 2020, Women Photograph
Grants to support photography projects — either new or in-progress.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: May 15, 2020
Third Coast/Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition
Contest highlighting audio documentaries and stories.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: May 25, 2020
March 2020
Visionary Award 2020, Tim Hetherington Trust
Amount: 20,000 Euros
Deadline: March 10, 2020
Street photography contest, Independent Photographer
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 30, 2020
Sustainable Energy for All Travel Grant, Climate Tracker
Amount: Travel grant to Rwanda, funding for investigative piece
Deadline: March 18, 2020
Ongoing
The Reporting Award
Deadline: February
Nationality: Any
The Reporting Award provides a grant of $12,500 ($2,500 upfront and a further $10,000 upon completion) for a journalist in any medium to undergo a project significantly underreported issue that is of public interest. Run by the NYU Arthur Carter Journalism Institute, this grant is exclusively aimed at non-staff journalists who would not have the resources to complete the project otherwise.
Howard G Buffett Fund for Women Journalists
Deadline: January and June of each year; applications take 6-8 weeks to process
Nationality: Any
Launched in 2015 and run by the International Women’s Media Foundation, this fund will make an annual total of $230,000 in grants to support female journalists to undertake projects. The size of an individual grant varies, and has no limitations. Successful projects will expose underreported and critical issues and allow female journalists to undertake ambitious projects that challenge traditional media narratives. The fund puts an emphasis on supporting projects by freelancers.
Eugene Smith Grant
Deadline: May
Nationality: Any
Aimed at experienced photojournalists from any nationality, this grant is designed to fund and support the entirety of a project that shows “an exemplary commitment to documenting the human condition of spirit”. One grant of $30,000 is given out annually, plus an additional grant given out to one or more recipients as special recognition. To apply, you will need to submit an application online, including a portfolio of your work and a project proposal.
Daniel Pearl Investigative Journalism Initiative
Deadline: June
Nationality: Any
Journalists aged between 22-38 can apply for a grant from the Daniel Pearl Investigative Journalism Initiative, which encourages reporters to write in-depth pieces about deeply ingrained prejudices. The fellowship offers $5,000 to cover the project – $2,500 upfront and $2,500 upon completion of the story. The edited stories will be published in Moment, who organise the grant.
Reporters Without Borders Rest and Refuge Scholarship
Deadline: July
Nationality: Any
In partnership with Taz Panter foundation, Reporters Without Borders Germany offer international journalists in difficult working conditions to take a 3-month hiatus in Berlin, especially journalists covering war or civil unrest. There is no required output from participants in the scheme; the aim is to provide a chance to lie low, take time out from challenging work and explore a new environment. The scholarship covers travel, accommodation and a stipend for living costs. Applicants should have at least basic English or German language skills.
Above the Fray
Deadline: July
Nationality: Any
Run by the John Alexander Project, in collaboration with NPR, the Above the Fray fellowship is designed to give emerging radio journalists the opportunity to cover important but underreported news stories abroad. Applicants must have 3-5 years experience and can be from any nationality. The fellowship should cover production expenses for the duration of the fellowship, including travel, lodging, equipment, interpreters and local transportation. One grant of up to $24,000 is given out each year. To apply, visit their website and fill in the online application form.
Fund for Environmental Journalism
Deadline: July/November
Nationality: Any
This grant, run by the US-based Society of Environmental Journalists, offers grants of up to $3,500 to support journalists in producing environmental reporting projects. Applicants can be from any nationality, and the funds can be used for the project’s expenses, including travel and research. Members of the Society of Environmental Journalism may apply for free, but non-members must pay a $40 application fee.
Alicia Patterson Foundation Fellowship
Deadline: October
Nationality: Any, must work for US publication regularly
This scheme awards 5-7 grants per year to US journalists or non-American journalists who regularly work for a US publication. The aim of the grant is to support independent media, and applicants must either be photojournalists or work in print media. Twelve month fellowships are worth up to $40,000, whilst six month ones are worth $20,000. Applications must be sent by post with examples of your work and the projected costs of your proposal.
Fund for Investigative Journalism
Deadline: Ongoing
Nationality: Any
The US-based Fund for Investigative Journalism meet three-four times a year to offer grants to journalists to help support their projects. Grants are on average $5,000 and are designed to cover travel, equipment and research. Funded projects can be on national or international issues, and applicants can apply from anywhere in the world, although their proposed project must be written in English. To apply, fill in the application form on their website.
International Reporting Project Reporting Trips
Deadline: Ongoing
Nationality: Any
Each year, the International Reporting Project offer a number of different funding opportunities for journalists from all nationalities to travel, as a group, to a country that is important but under-covered in international news. In 2013, these grants included trips to Tanzania, Kazakhstan, Zambia and India. Each grant covers the costs of travel, meal and accommodation. Participants are responsible for paying the costs of their passports and immunisation fees.
Mongabay Special Reporting Initiatives
Deadline: Ongoing
Nationality: Any
Freelancers interested in covering stories with an environmental focus should take a look at Mongabay’s Special Reporting Initiatives. Every 2-3 months, they announce a new “special reporting initiative” offering a $15,000 honoriaum and up to $5,000 for reporting, travel and research costs on a specific topic. Each successful project will then be published on the Mongabay website under a Creative Commons license.
Open Society Foundation Fellowships/Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
Nationality: Any
OSF run a number of different programmes and grants aimed at a wide variety of people, including freelance reporters from across the world. The content of these grants is normally wide-ranging, but they generally have a media development/human rights-based theme. One example of this is their Audience Engagement Grant, which is aimed at photojournalists. For details about current programmes they are running, see their website.
Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting Travel Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
Nationality: Any
This grant puts an emphasis on funding reporting projects on topics and regions of global importance, but which have gone unreported in today’s media landscape. Freelancers from all disciplines can apply for a grant, which must be aimed at being published/broadcast by either US or European media. Grants of up to $10,000 are awarded to cover the travel costs of the project. To apply, applicants should send a project proposal, a letter of reference and a CV.
Photographers & Filmmakers
Inge Morath Award
Deadline: January
Nationality: Any
This annual award, organised in collaboration with Magnum Photos, is given to a female photojournalist under the age of 30 to enable them to commit to a long-term documentary project. The $5,000 grant must cover a subject within the realm of socially-conscious photojournalism. Applications can be submitted online. They should include a project description, a CV, a photocopy of valid ID and a portfolio of past photographs.
Alexia Foundation Grants
Deadline: January
Nationality: Any
The Alexia Foundation offers annual production grants to professional photojournalists to give them the financial ability to produce substantial stories that “drive change in the effort to make the world a better place”. The grant of $15,000 is offered to one photojournalist per year for a project that lasts a minimum of 3 months.
To apply, you will need to fill in an online application form, which can be found on their website, alongside sending a resume and portfolio of your work.
The Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation for Documentary and Film Grants
Deadline: March
Nationality: Any
Each year, the Manuel Rivera-Ortize Foundation for Documentary and Film offer one grant each of up to $5,000 to a photography and a film proposal that highlights human unrest, forgotten communities over-exploited people and environments impacted by war, poverty, disease, famine, exploitation and global distress. To apply, you will need to submit the required supporting materials, including a project and budget proposal, a CV and a headshot.
The Imagely Fund
Deadline: April
Nationality: Any
The Imagely Fund offers a grant of $5,000 to a professional photojournalist to undertake an important humanitarian or environmental photography project that will have a “lasting and tangible effect on the world”. Applicants should submit their proposals, including a personal statement and budget.
Emerging Photographer Fund
Deadline: September
Nationality: Any
The Emerging Photographer Fund is open to photojournalists breaking into the scene, and aims to give recognition and funding of $10,000 to emerging talents and help them continue making a mark. They also run an exclusive category for journalists under the age of 25, sponsored by Fuji, which provides cameras and funds of $5,000 to up-and-coming freelancers.
Pierre & Alexandra Boulat Association Award
Deadline: June
Nationality: Any
The Pierre & Alexandra Boulat Association Award offers an annual grant of €8,000 to enable a photojournalist of any sex, age or nationality to cover a social, economic, political or cultural issue that has never been told before. Run in collaboration with Canon France, the resulting project will also be exhibited at the Visa pour L’Image in Perpignon. Entry is free.
Carmignac Photojournalism Award
Deadline: October
Nationality: Any
This grant is specifically aimed at freelance photojournalists, and offers a sum of €50,000 to enable one winning photojournalist to undertake a project. Each year, the topic of the award changes: in 2017, the project must be based around the Arctic. You can apply by visiting their website.
Bertha Doc Society Journalism Fund
Deadline: Ongoing
Nationality: Any
International freelance documentary makers looking for financial support for their project should consider investigating into the Bertha Doc Society Journalism Fund. Grants of between £5,000-£50,000 are offered to support film of more than 60 minutes in length, to go towards research, development, production, HET and legal costs. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, and applicants should hear a response within 6 weeks of your application. Be aware that they are unlikely to fully-fund a film so the proposed project must have co-financing potential.