Deadline: 12-Jul-2026
The Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism provides annual grants to support women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming journalists producing immersive, human-centered narrative journalism. The fund prioritizes emotionally rich, literary-style reporting that captures everyday life and extraordinary human experiences.
Grants support reporting and production of print-focused narrative journalism projects, which must be completed within six months of award.
Overview of the Kari Howard Fund
The Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism is an initiative supporting high-quality narrative reporting worldwide. It is designed to advance storytelling that focuses on:
- Human-centered journalism
- Emotional depth and narrative richness
- Immersive, on-the-ground reporting
- Literary journalism techniques
- Strong sense of place and lived experience
The fund is inclusive and aligned with diversity and equity principles in journalism.
Core Objective
The main goal of the fund is to support journalists in producing compelling narrative journalism that:
- Highlights intimate human stories
- Captures lived experiences with depth and nuance
- Uses immersive and descriptive storytelling techniques
- Amplifies underreported voices and perspectives
What Is Narrative Journalism?
Narrative journalism is a form of reporting that combines:
- Investigative reporting
- Literary storytelling techniques
- Character-driven narratives
- Scene-based writing
- Emotional and contextual depth
It focuses on storytelling rather than purely factual reporting formats.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Gender Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Women journalists
- Nonbinary journalists
- Gender nonconforming journalists
Professional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be freelance or staff journalists working in print or multi-format media
- Have at least 3 years of professional journalism experience
- Exclude internships from qualifying experience
- Have journalism as their primary profession
Publication Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate either:
- A strong publication record in recognized media outlets, OR
- Proof of editorial interest in the proposed story
Language Requirement
- Applications and final work must be in English
Project Type Requirements
Eligible projects must:
- Be print-focused narrative journalism pieces
- Allow multimedia support if it enhances storytelling
- Be publishable in print or digital formats
Funding Scope
The grant supports:
- Reporting expenses
- Fieldwork and travel
- Production costs
- Narrative journalism development
Project Timeline
- Maximum project duration: 6 months
- All reporting and publication must be completed within this period
Key Focus Areas
The fund prioritizes stories that are:
Human-Centered
- Personal and community narratives
- Everyday life experiences
- Underrepresented voices
Emotionally Rich
- Deep emotional engagement
- Empathetic storytelling
- Complex human experiences
Immersive Journalism
- On-the-ground reporting
- First-hand observation
- Scene-driven narrative construction
Literary Journalism
- Strong narrative voice
- Descriptive storytelling
- Structured narrative arcs
Inclusion and Equity Focus
The fund is committed to supporting:
- Gender diversity in journalism
- Underrepresented journalists
- Inclusive storytelling perspectives
- Equity in media representation
Types of Projects Supported
Examples of eligible work include:
- Long-form narrative features
- Human-interest investigative stories
- Community-based storytelling
- In-depth profiles
- Reportage-driven storytelling projects
Selection Criteria
Applications are typically assessed based on:
- Narrative strength and originality
- Clarity of storytelling concept
- Feasibility within six months
- Journalistic experience and credibility
- Editorial interest or publication potential
- Human impact and relevance of the story
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting non-narrative or purely analytical proposals
- Lack of clear story focus or character-driven narrative
- Insufficient evidence of publication experience
- Overly broad or unfocused story concepts
- Missing editorial support or interest
- Unrealistic reporting timelines
Why This Fund Matters
The Kari Howard Fund strengthens journalism by:
- Supporting deep, human-centered storytelling
- Promoting diversity in narrative journalism
- Enabling underrepresented voices in media
- Encouraging immersive, high-quality reporting
- Preserving long-form narrative journalism in modern media ecosystems
It helps sustain literary journalism that focuses on lived human experience.
FAQ
Who can apply for the Kari Howard Fund?
Women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming journalists with at least 3 years of professional experience in print or multi-format journalism.
What type of journalism is supported?
Narrative journalism focused on human-centered, immersive storytelling with literary techniques.
How long is the project duration?
Projects must be completed within 6 months of receiving the grant.
Is publication required?
Yes, applicants must show either a strong publication record or editorial interest.
Can digital journalism be included?
Yes, as long as the project is print-focused in structure and storytelling approach.
What is the main purpose of the fund?
To support high-quality narrative journalism that highlights human stories with depth and emotional resonance.
Is the fund open globally?
Yes, it supports journalists worldwide, provided they meet eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
The Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism is a global grant initiative supporting immersive, human-centered storytelling. By funding experienced women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming journalists, it strengthens narrative journalism that captures the depth of human experience through compelling, literary reporting completed within a six-month timeline.
For more information, visit International Women’s Media Foundation.