Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Yes, as long as you have three published or aired work samples, you are eligible to apply.
Unfortunately we cannot split reporting grants between multiple people at this time.
At this time we are focusing on print and audio journalists.
In the case of print submissions, clips should 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 published print stories.
Yes, we welcome international applications. We cannot assist with visas.
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.
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.
No. As of 2024 we will no longer funding books in progress.
Your references should be people who are familiar with your journalistic work, preferably editors or instructors you've worked with on stories.
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.
Yes. You are welcome to reapply if you did not receive a grant.
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.
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 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.
We expect stories to be completed six months from when reporting grants are issued.
No.
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