Deadline: 15-Nov-21
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering reporting grants to support the production of in-depth stories that highlight previously untold threats to global biodiversity or explore new conservation-based solutions.
EJN is looking to highlight the gravity of the biodiversity crisis by commissioning a series of stories that investigate new threats to species diversity around the world, as well as explore innovative, potentially scalable conservation solutions—led by governments, corporations or communities—to protect the Earth’s remaining biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of what has already been lost.
This is the second round of story grants under EJN’s Biodiversity Media Initiative, with financial support from Arcadia, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.
Story Themes
- EJN welcomes all story ideas, but special consideration will be given to applicants looking to conduct investigative or enterprise reporting on biodiversity or conservation topics.
- As they are looking to raise global awareness about new threats or solutions, proposals that focus on topics or stories that have not been widely covered are preferred. Issues that have already received a lot of media coverage or don’t provide unique angles are less likely to be selected.
Funding Information
EJN expects to award between 10-14 grants of ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the proposal and needs.
Eligibility Criteria
- For the purposes of this grant call, they are only accepting applications for stories focused on the countries, though journalists from any country can apply. They will also consider applications for stories about Russia, or by Russian journalists.
- Applications are open to journalists (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with experience in investigative reporting and covering environmental issues. They encourage applications from freelancers and staff from all types of media organizations—international, national, local and community-based.
- EJN is seeking to support both early-career and senior journalists with many years of reporting experience. They will accept both individual and group applications, but for the latter they ask that the application is made in the name of one lead applicant who will receive the grant on the group’s behalf, if awarded.
- Stories can be produced in any language. However, applicants who intend to write or produce stories in their local language need to also include an English translation. Please include the cost for translation in the budget, if necessary.
Judging Criteria
Applicants should consider the following points when devising their story proposals.
- Relevance: Does the proposal meet the criteria and objectives of the call? Why does this story matter and to whom? Is 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.
For more information, visit https://earthjournalism.net/opportunities/biodiversity-story-grants-2021