Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Nova’s Media Fellowship Program supports U.S.-based journalists and nonprofit newsrooms reporting on the interconnected drivers of health and well-being. For the 2026–27 cycle, three Media Fellows will be selected, each receiving $60,000 over 12 months, plus travel and conference stipends, to pursue evidence-based and solutions-focused reporting projects.
About the Fellowship
The Nova’s Media Fellowship Program supports journalists and nonprofit newsrooms exploring the broader systems that shape health and well-being.
Rather than focusing only on traditional health coverage, the fellowship encourages reporting on the social, environmental, legal, technological, and structural factors that influence how individuals and communities thrive.
Fellows retain full editorial independence and are encouraged to create ambitious, evidence-based, and solution-oriented journalism for audiences such as policymakers, researchers, and the public.
Priority Reporting Themes
The fellowship prioritizes reporting projects on:
- Children’s health and well-being
(including nutrition education and early childhood experiences) - Mental health, well-being, and justice
(including legal systems and compassionate approaches) - Planetary health and collective flourishing
(including ecological and integrated solutions) - Artificial intelligence and technology
(including impacts on healthcare and societal well-being) - Emerging primary healthcare models
(especially those addressing inequities) - Regenerative agriculture and conscious food systems
(including transformative and sustainable practices)
Fellowship Benefits
For the 2026–27 cycle, Nova will select:
- 3 Media Fellows
Each selected fellow will receive:
- $60,000 over 12 months
- Additional travel stipend
- Additional conference stipend
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Working journalists with a proven publication record
- Nonprofit newsrooms
- Student-led newsrooms
Projects may have a global focus, but applicants must:
- Reside in the United States
- Remain in the U.S. throughout the fellowship period
Ineligible Submissions
The program does not accept:
Why This Fellowship Matters
This fellowship is valuable because it supports journalism that examines health as a result of interconnected systems, not just medical issues.
It is especially relevant for reporting at the intersection of:
- Health
- Justice
- Ecology
- Food systems
- Technology
- Social equity
Quick Facts
- Program: Nova’s Media Fellowship Program
- Cycle: 2026–27
- Number of Fellows: 3
- Funding: $60,000 per fellow
- Duration: 12 months
- Extra Support: Travel and conference stipends
- Eligible Applicants: Journalists, nonprofit newsrooms, student-led newsrooms
- Location Requirement: Must live in the United States during the fellowship
FAQ
1. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
Each fellow receives $60,000 over 12 months, plus travel and conference stipends.
2. How many fellows will be selected?
A total of three Media Fellows will be selected for the 2026–27 cycle.
3. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include working journalists, nonprofit newsrooms, and student-led newsrooms.
4. Can projects have an international focus?
Yes. Projects may be global in scope, but applicants must reside in the United States during the fellowship.
5. What is not eligible?
The program does not accept books, poetry, songwriting, artwork, or academic research projects.
6. Do fellows keep editorial independence?
Yes. All selected fellows maintain full editorial independence.
Conclusion
The Nova’s Media Fellowship Program 2026–27 is an excellent opportunity for U.S.-based journalists and nonprofit newsrooms working on health, justice, ecology, technology, and social systems.
With $60,000 in funding, editorial freedom, and support for solutions-focused reporting, it is especially well suited for ambitious journalism that explores the deeper forces shaping well-being.
For more information, visit National Heritage Council.