Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources
/OVERVIEW: IJNR provides grants for journalism that largely reports on the environment.
IP TAKE: This funder is accessible and likes to support its grantees in a variety of ways. They’re also very open-minded and like to build relationships. IJNR provides grants, workshops and other resources to support journalism related to environmental and natural resource issues.
IJNR offers considerably more fellowships than grants. Grants support individual story proposals, whereas fellowships support participation in IJNR’s onsite “institutes” and events. The organization prioritizes journalists of color and other underrepresented or minority journalists. This funder often has evolving programs, so make sure to read their site often.
All grant proposals must be for journalism relating to environmental issues impacting North America. Lobbyists, public relations personnel and communications employees writing on behalf of an organization or corporation are ineligible. IJNR states that it will keep “applicants’ proposed story-project topics” confidential until publication, and that grantees will retain complete control over their work. Funds may be used for travel, lodging, and research.
PROFILE: Created in 1995, the Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources (IJNR) takes journalists to on-site institutes and workshops to better report on the environment and natural resource issues. It seeks to “promote public dialogue about natural resource issues through better journalism.” IJNR supports environmental journalism through a series of institute attendance fellowships and field reporting grants.
Grants for Journalism and Environmental Conservation
The Environmental Reporting Award supports journalists reporting on underrepresented communities whose natural resources are impacted by environmental issues. Grants range up to $1,000. Proposed projects must focus on marginalized people and underserved communities in North America. Runners-up will also be considered for Frank Allen Field Reporting Awards.
Guerry Beam Memorial Award supports journalism about marine conservation in North America. Grants are for up to $750. Runners-up will also be considered for Frank Allen Field Reporting Awards.
Andrew Weegar Memorial Award supports journalism about conservation, traditional agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. The grant prioritizes “top-quality immersive storytelling and high-spirited adventures of all kinds.” Grants are for up to $1,000. Runners-up will also be considered for Frank Allen Field Reporting Awards.
The Frank Allen Field Reporting Award is named after the founder of IJNR, who “led journalists on intense reporting expeditions throughout North America.” The organization makes up to seven grants for up to $500 each year.
Important Grant Details:
IJNR’s fellowships are open to professional journalists working for or contributing to news organizations. It typically does not select contributors to other media for these fellowships. Fellowships cover meals, lodging, local transportation, and excursions during each institute. View past institutes here and future programs here. To apply, grant seekers must submit a letter of interest, a resume, one professional letter of recommendation, and four to six work samples. Email questions to contact@ijnr.org. Grantseekers can apply for the field reporting grants here.
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