CFAs: Investigative Video Journalism GAP Fellowships Program (India)

The Reporters’ Collective Investigative Video Fellowship offers three fellowships of Rs. 2,50,000 each to support experienced journalists in producing evidence-based investigative video stories in India. Fellows work under the editorial supervision of a host newsroom to create high-impact investigative journalism that reaches wider audiences through video storytelling.

Reporters’ Collective Investigative Video Fellowship Overview

The Reporters’ Collective Investigative Video Fellowship is designed to strengthen investigative journalism in India by supporting journalists who produce in-depth, evidence-based investigative video projects.

The fellowship encourages rigorous reporting on issues of public interest while expanding the reach of investigative journalism through visual storytelling. Selected fellows receive financial support to carry out independent investigations under the editorial guidance of an established Indian newsroom.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected applicants will receive:

• Number of fellowships: 3
• Grant amount: Rs. 2,50,000 per fellowship
• Funding covers project-related expenses associated with producing the investigative video.
• Editorial supervision and support from a participating newsroom.

The grant amount is inclusive of all project-related costs.

Objectives of the Fellowship

The fellowship aims to:

• Support evidence-based investigative journalism.
• Encourage high-quality investigative video reporting.
• Strengthen accountability journalism in India.
• Increase public awareness of important issues.
• Expand the reach of investigative stories through visual media.
• Support independent journalists working on impactful investigations.

Focus Areas

The fellowship supports projects that:

• Investigate matters of public interest.
• Use rigorous evidence-based reporting.
• Present findings through investigative video.
• Maintain high editorial standards.
• Contribute to public accountability.
• Reach wider audiences using visual storytelling.

Who Is Eligible?

The fellowship is open to:

• Professional journalists.
• Investigative reporters.
• Independent investigative journalists.
• Small investigative reporting teams.

Applicants should have demonstrated experience in investigative journalism.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have substantial experience in investigative reporting.
• Be capable of conducting independent investigations.
• Produce an original investigative video project.
• Work under the editorial supervision of a participating newsroom.
• Obtain a letter of support from an eligible newsroom registered in India.

Team Applications

Journalists may also apply as a team.

Each team must consist of:

• Two to three members

Newsroom Requirement

Every applicant or team must secure support from a newsroom that:

• Is registered in India.
• Has an established record of investigative journalism.
• Agrees to host the fellow or team throughout the fellowship.
• Provides editorial supervision during the project.

A letter of support from the newsroom is a mandatory part of the application.

Funding Coverage

The fellowship funding is intended to support:

• Investigative reporting activities.
• Video production.
• Research expenses.
• Reporting costs.
• Other approved project-related expenses necessary to complete the investigation.

All costs must fall within the fellowship budget of Rs. 2,50,000.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Reporters’ Collective Investigative Video Fellowship helps:

• Strengthen investigative journalism in India.
• Support independent, evidence-based reporting.
• Increase transparency and public accountability.
• Promote high-quality investigative storytelling.
• Reach broader audiences through digital video.
• Encourage collaboration between journalists and established newsrooms.

The fellowship enables journalists to pursue complex investigations that may otherwise lack financial support.

How to Apply

Follow these general steps:

1. Develop a strong investigative video project idea.
2. Confirm that you meet the experience requirements.
3. If applying as a team, ensure it consists of two to three members.
4. Identify an eligible newsroom registered in India.
5. Obtain a formal letter of support from the newsroom.
6. Prepare your project proposal.
7. Demonstrate your investigative experience.
8. Submit the complete application before the fellowship deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Propose an investigation with strong public interest.
• Clearly explain the significance of the issue.
• Demonstrate your investigative reporting experience.
• Present a realistic reporting plan and timeline.
• Show how video storytelling will strengthen the investigation.
• Secure support from a reputable investigative newsroom.
• Provide a clear budget for project expenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying without investigative journalism experience.
• Submitting a proposal lacking evidence-based methodology.
• Failing to obtain the required newsroom support letter.
• Applying with an ineligible team size.
• Presenting an unrealistic budget or production plan.
• Failing to explain the public importance of the investigation.
• Submitting incomplete application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Reporters’ Collective Investigative Video Fellowship?

It is a fellowship that supports experienced journalists in producing evidence-based investigative video projects under the editorial supervision of an established Indian newsroom.

2. How many fellowships are available?

The programme offers three Investigative Video Fellowships.

3. How much funding does each fellow receive?

Each selected fellow or team receives Rs. 2,50,000, inclusive of all project-related costs.

4. Who can apply?

Experienced investigative journalists and investigative reporting teams with two to three members are eligible to apply.

5. Is newsroom support mandatory?

Yes. Every applicant or team must obtain a letter of support from a newsroom registered in India that has a proven record of investigative journalism and agrees to host the fellowship.

6. Can journalists apply as a team?

Yes. Team applications are accepted, provided each team consists of two to three members.

7. What type of projects are supported?

The fellowship supports rigorous, evidence-based investigative video projects addressing issues of public interest and designed for broad public engagement.

Conclusion

The Reporters’ Collective Investigative Video Fellowship provides an important opportunity for experienced journalists in India to pursue impactful investigative reporting through video. With three fellowships worth Rs. 2,50,000 each, the programme supports independent, evidence-based journalism while encouraging collaboration with established investigative newsrooms to produce high-quality stories that inform the public and strengthen accountability.