Deadline: 15-Mar-21
Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is seeking proposals for its Story Grants to boost reporting on renewable energy in India.
EJN is offering grants to boost reporting on renewable energy in India. Although they have a particular focus on Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, applications will be welcome from journalists all over India, about renewable energy in all states and union territories.
The grants will support the production of in-depth stories on the prospects, problems and pathways forward for renewable energy, with the aim of improving the information on the subject and raising awareness among policymakers, project developers, investors and observers.
Renewable Energy (RE) projects across India have been impacted by the economic downturn and lockdowns on activity due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Problems over project financing, payment and evacuation infrastructure have added to the worries of RE developers at a time when wind and solar power development, in particular, are showing promise. Still, the long-term prospects remain bright, and the government has maintained its focus on increasing the percentage of RE use nationwide.
Although they shall give preference to proposals that deal with the RE situation in the three states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, proposals from all over India are eligible, and they do expect to award grants to journalists working in other states.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications are open to India-based journalists (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with a demonstrated interest in reporting on the RE sector, or other topics related to energy and the environment. They shall give preference to journalists who regularly cover economy, business and energy beats. To ensure equal opportunities and diversity of voices, they especially encourage applications from women, young journalists and journalists from indigenous communities.
- They are seeking applications from freelancers and staff from all types of media outlets – international, national, local and community-based. Those who are awarded grants should publish or broadcast their stories in their affiliated media as long as EJN and its partner outlets are also given rights to edit, publish, broadcast and distribute the grantees’ stories freely afterward. Freelancers should demonstrate a plan for publication or broadcast and are encouraged to provide a letter of interest from an editor.
Judging criteria
Applicants should consider the following points when devising their story proposals:
- Relevance: Does the proposal meet the criteria and objectives of this call? Why does this story matter and to whom? Are the main idea, context, and overall value to the target audience clearly defined?
- Angle: If the story has been covered by mainstream media, does your proposal bring new insights into the topic or offer a fresh angle?
- Impact: Does the proposal have a compelling narrative or investigative element that will inform and engage, draw attention, trigger debate, and urge action?
- Innovative storytelling: The use of creative approaches, multimedia and data visualization will be considered a plus.
Application process
- Click on the Apply Now button at the top of the page on their website.
- If you have an existing account, you’ll need to log in. If not, you must register for an account by clicking “Join the Network” on the top right of the page.
- If you start the application and want to come back and complete it later, you can click “Save Draft.” To return to the draft, you’ll need to go back to the opportunity and click “Apply Now” again to finalize the application.
- Applicants should provide a detailed budget with justification for the amount requested. They expect that proposals will largely reflect what equipment the applicant already has access to (including cameras, drones, lighting, tripods, etc.). They will not consider budgets that heavily focus on procuring new supplies. Please include the cost for translation in the budget, if necessary. Please also note on your budget form if you are receiving funding from other donors for the story.
- You must submit three samples of stories or links to relevant work. You’ll be asked to upload these once you start the application process so please get them ready beforehand.
For more information, visit https://earthjournalism.net/opportunities/story-grants-on-renewable-energy-in-india