MIT introduces journalism fellowships
The MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative has launched its inaugural Journalism Fellowship that supports freelance or staff journalists associated with U.S. newsrooms in developing a high-impact news project that connects local perspectives, values and priorities with climate change science and solutions.
The four-month paid fellowship provides an opportunity for newsrooms to dedicate time and attention to local storytelling on this topic.
Click here for more details and the link to apply.
Deadline for applications if April 4.
SPJ Rio Grande offering help with NMPW conference fees
This year, the Society of Professional Journalists Rio Grande Chapter is proud to be able to offer funding assistance to those wishing to attend. We will reimburse the first 25 registered attendees up to $150 in conference fees.
The New Mexico Press Women will be offering its 2021 Annual Conference, “Finding the Story: From Investigative Journalism to Nonfiction and Fiction Writing,” online, in keeping with the times. The conference is Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13.
Click here for more info about the conference and to register.
Free SPJ membership offer
We get it – times are tough and money is tight. Really really tight for some of us. But we also get that it helps to belong to a group where people understand each other. A group that has your back.
That’s us!
If you are having a tough time with your SPJ renewal, let us pick up the tab. Or maybe you want to join for the first time, but the fee is more than you can cover right now.
Either way, fill out this PDF and send it back to us at spjriogrande@gmail.com. We will write the check and mail it in for you.
Don’t face this crisis alone. Join us. Because we got your back.
There are loads of reasons – including some discounts – to join SPJ-Rio Grande.
We ask that if you are still able to make ends meet that you help us keep these memberships for those who can’t. Either way, pass the news around your newsroom or virtual cooler.
NEW: See what our members who received chapter grants have to say about the value of the professional development they received.
Fund for Investigative Journalism announces coronavirus rolling grant
The Fund for Investigative Journalism is unveiling a new effort to provide immediate emergency grants to U.S.-based freelance investigative journalists working on stories on the coronavirus that break new ground and expose wrongdoing in the public or private sector.
You do not have to wait for a standard application deadline — you can apply now.
Nat Geo Society emergency funds for local, hyper-local COVID-19 coverage
The National Geographic Society has launched an emergency fund for journalists all over the world who wish to cover COVID-19 within their own communities.
This fund will place particular emphasis on delivering news to underserved populations, particularly where there is a dearth of evidence-based information getting to those who need it.
They are interested in local and even hyper-local distribution models. This fund is designed to quickly deliver support so that both individual stories and longer series of content may be created.
The fund will distribute support ranging from $1,000–8,000 USD for local coverage of the preparation, response, and impact of this global pandemic as seen through evidence-based reporting.
IWMF emergency funds
The International Women’s Media Foundation has partnered with the Craig Newmark Philanthropies to establish the United States Journalism Emergency Fund.
This fund will directly support U.S. journalists in need so they can resume work essential to our functioning democracy. It is available to U.S. based journalists regardless of gender, including male identifying.
IWMF also provides other resources for reporters around the globe, such as financial assistance for therapy for Black journalists, COVID-19 relief funds and emergency funds for the costs associated with legal aid and temporary relocation.
Not yet a member of SPJ-Rio Grande? Click here for information and how to join.