International Center for Journalists
/OVERVIEW: The International Center for Journalists runs fellowship, awards and accelerator programs with a strong focus on developing nations and investigative journalism.
IP TAKE: This International Center for Journalists’ awards, fellowships and accelerator programs change frequently. Prospective applicants are advised to check the organization’s website periodically for updates about opportunities. A few fellowship programs appear to run annually, but may prioritize journalists from different parts of the world each year.
This is an accessible funder, but it’s giving space is even more competitive since grants are made both nationally, in the U.S, and internationally. Links to application guidelines, materials and due dates are available on individual program pages. Grant amounts are specific to each program. This is also a reasonably bureaucratic funder gives both it’s size and scope, so you’re going to need to stay on top of your application here and, perhaps, follow-up if you don’t hear back from them once you submit an application.
PROFILE: The International Center for Journalists was established in 1984 by publishing and journalism veterans Tom Winship, Jim Ewing and George Krimsky. Based in Washington, D.C., the center runs a broad range of programs that aim to “empower an unparalleled global network of journalists to produce news reports that lead to better governments, stronger economies, more vibrant societies and healthier lives. Its current funding opportunities include, but are not limited to:
The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling “honors up-and-coming journalists in Africa who strives to strengthen people's voices and illuminate the transformational change taking place on the continent.”
Entry for consideration is open to African journalists working in print, broadcast or online journalism in English and who have had their work published or broadcast between December 1, 2020 and December 1, 2021.
The prize seeks to recognize “impactful investigative or explanatory pieces, especially those that illuminate transformational change in Africa.”
Two awards of $1,000 each will be accompanied by an opportunity to complete an internship at a major newsroom in either New York City or London.
The application for this award is open until January 30, 2022.
The annual Aurthur F. Burns Fellowship offers journalists under the age of 40 from Canada, Germany or the U.S. the opportunity to work in one of the three countries at leading newsrooms including CNN, Reuters and Deutsche Welle, among others. Participants also participate in a weeklong orientation in Washington, D.C., in July of the fellowship year.
Fellows receive a stipend of $5,2000 for travel and living expenses.
The program accepts applications through an online portal, with a due date of March 1 each year.
The Newscorp Media Fellowship for International Journalists “offers international reporters and editors an immersive, hands-on experience in some of the world’s most digitally advanced newsrooms.”
Fellowships bring journalists from various regions of the world to either the New York offices of the Wall Street Journal or the London headquarters of the Times of London.
Fellowships are open to English-speaking journalists, with target geographical areas changing from year to year. Travel expenses are paid by the fellowship.
For information about application and eligibility, prospective applicants should contact the center via email.
ICFJ Knight Fellowships aim to “instill a culture of news innovation and experimentation worldwide” with many recent fellowships involving “new technologies” that “enhance news gathering, storytelling, editorial workflows, audience engagement and business models.” This program accepts proposals from both journalists and news organizations that wish to host fellowships. Application guidelines and due dates are available at the program’s webpage.
The International Center for Journalists’ grants tend to be awarded in set amounts specific to its individual programs, with a significant portion of its grantmaking going to developing news and media organizations around the world. Funding is almost always accompanied by opportunities to participate in professional development programming run by ICFJ and/or its affiliates. For additional information on past grantmaking, see the center’s past work page.
Important Grant Details:
Opportunities to apply for ICFJ funding and professional development change frequently, as the center creates new programs each year. Check the organization’s current programs section for updated information. For general inquiries, contact the center via email or telephone at 202-737-3700.
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