Applications Due January 31st
The Ferriss – UC Berkeley Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship
Ten $10,000 reporting grants issued per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pitch a story that involves me taking a psychedelic and then reporting on my experience?
No. Please don't pitch us stories that involve first person accounts of taking illegal substances. For obvious legal reasons, we can't support those stories.
I'm a student, can I apply for a reporting grant?
Yes, as long as you have three published or aired work samples, you are eligible to apply.
I'm working on a story with a colleague/friend/collaborator, can we apply for a fellowship together?
Unfortunately we cannot split reporting grants between multiple people at this time.
I work in video, photography or multi-media, can I apply?
At this time we are focusing on print and audio journalists.
The application requires the submission of clips. What is a clip or a sample?
In the case of print submissions, clips should be reported and written by you and published in a journalism outlet such as a magazine, newspaper, journal or digital media platform. In the case of audio, at least one clip should be a broadcast audio story reported by you, the others can be published print stories.
Can journalists residing outside of the U.S. apply?
Yes, we welcome international applications. We cannot assist with visas.
I have a full-time job. Can I still apply for a reporting grant?
Yes. Please indicate in your application if you intend to report your story or stories for the outlet or publication you work for. Please also note whether your editors have committed to publishing the story or stories you're proposing to us.
I report and speak and write in a language other than English. Can I work on a story in another language? Can I submit clips in another language?
We are looking for stories in English and can only accept grant applications and published clips in English. Our Selection Committee just does not have the capacity to evaluate applications in other languages.
I'm working on a book, can I get a reporting grant to support a book project?
No. As of 2024 we will no longer funding books in progress.
I run an online magazine/website about psychedelics. May I apply for the fellowship?
Yes, but you need to provide pieces written/produced by you. You may not apply on behalf of another journalist featured in your magazine.
Do I need to have a media outlet already committed to publish my story to apply?
No. However, a letter from a media outlet expressing interest in publishing or airing your story will substantially improve your chances of receiving a grant.
Can I reapply if I don't get a reporting grant the first time?
Yes. You are welcome to reapply if you did not receive a grant.
Can I get a reporting grant to report in a hostile or dangerous environment?
If you are proposing a story that requires you to report in a hostile or dangerous environment, we require that you and your potential outlets adhere to the A Culture of Safety Alliance principles. You must also have an assignment from a news organization that will assume full responsibility for your safety and welfare.
Can I pitch more than one story?
Yes. We will accept pitches for single, longform stories and/or a series of audio or print pieces. You still need to pitch us specific stories though, not general topics or themes.
If I get a reporting grant do I need to track my reporting expenses for reimbursement?
If you get a reporting grant, you are not expected to track expenses or submit them to us. The money is meant to cover reporting costs and keep you whole while you do this work.
How long do grantees have to complete their stories?
We expect stories to be completed six months from when reporting grants are issued.
Can I get a reporting grant for a story on cannabis? What is considered a psychedelic substance?
I am a full-time employee at one of the UC campuses. Can I apply for the fellowship?
No. The fellowship cannot accept any full time employees from UC campuses. Additionally, CA News fellows from the UC Berkeley Journalism School are not eligible for this reporting grant.
If I am a Ferriss fellow, will I receive tax forms from UC Berkeley for my award money?
No. UC Berkeley will not issue any tax documentation to award recipients. Your Fellowship award is reported to the IRS. You receive the full amount and will be responsible for recording it as fellowship money on your tax forms. To understand more about your award and taxes review - IRS Notice: Scholarships, Fellowship Grants, and Other Grants
I'm a foreign national but working in the US. Will my fellowship payment be subject to tax?
Foreign nationals receiving awards may be subject to tax withholding. This is dependent on a variety of factors and will be determined by UC Berkeley's foreign tax compliance office.