Deadline: 31-Jan-2026
AI Snippet Summary
The UC Berkeley Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship Program offers ten annual reporting grants of USD 10,000 to support in-depth print and audio journalism projects on psychedelics. The fellowship is open to eligible journalists worldwide with published work and focuses on well-defined, English-language story pitches completed within six months.
$10,000 Reporting Grants for Print and Audio Journalists
UC Berkeley Journalism is accepting applications for its Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship Program, a competitive reporting grant initiative designed to support rigorous, in-depth journalism on psychedelics. The fellowship funds original reporting projects in print and audio formats and supports journalists producing high-quality, well-researched stories for publication or broadcast.
What Is the Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship?
The Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship is a grant-based program administered by UC Berkeley Journalism. It provides financial support for reporting projects that explore psychedelics through evidence-based, ethical, and journalistic approaches.
The fellowship does not assign stories. Applicants must propose clearly defined, specific story ideas rather than general themes.
Fellowship Funding and Duration
Each year, the program awards:
• Number of grants: 10
• Grant amount: USD 10,000 per project
The grant is intended to cover reporting costs and living expenses during the reporting period. Fellows are expected to complete their stories within six months of receiving the grant. News organizations are expected to pay journalists separately once the work is published or aired.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
• Be a print or audio journalist
• Submit applications and work samples in English
• Have at least three published or aired journalism samples
• Propose a specific, well-developed story or series
• Be able to complete the project within six months
International applicants are welcome, but the program does not provide visa assistance.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following individuals are not eligible to apply:
• Full-time employees of any UC campus
• California Local News (CA News) fellows from the UC Berkeley Journalism School
• Applicants seeking to split one grant among multiple people
Each grant supports a single journalist only.
Story Pitch Requirements
Applicants may pitch:
• One longform print or audio story, or
• A clearly defined series of print or audio pieces
All pitches must:
• Focus on specific stories, not broad topics
• Be thoroughly researched and clearly articulated
• Demonstrate journalistic relevance, originality, and feasibility
Applicants should indicate whether the proposed story will be reported for an outlet they work for and whether an editor has committed to publishing or airing the story.
Safety and Ethical Reporting Requirements
If a proposed story involves reporting in hostile or dangerous environments, applicants must:
• Adhere to A Culture of Safety Alliance principles
• Have an assignment from a news organization
• Ensure the outlet assumes full responsibility for the journalist’s safety and welfare
Proposals that do not meet these safety requirements will not be considered.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following through the official application system:
• A compelling and well-researched story pitch
• Three published or aired work samples
• A current resume
• Two professional references
Optional but strongly recommended:
• A letter from a media outlet expressing interest in publishing or airing the proposed story
Such letters significantly improve an applicant’s competitiveness.
Selection Process
Fellows are selected by a panel of working editors and journalists. UC Berkeley Journalism does not:
• Assign story topics
• Consult on pitches before submission
• Accept applications or proposals via email
All applications must be submitted through the official platform.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship supports high-impact reporting in a rapidly evolving field that intersects science, health, policy, and culture.
Key benefits include:
• Dedicated funding for in-depth reporting
• Editorial independence
• Global eligibility
• Professional recognition from UC Berkeley Journalism
• Support for ambitious, original journalism projects
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Develop a specific, well-researched story pitch
- Gather three published or aired English-language work samples
- Prepare a resume with two references
- Secure an optional outlet interest letter if possible
- Confirm eligibility and safety requirements
- Submit the complete application through the official portal
Email submissions are not accepted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Pitching broad themes instead of specific stories
• Submitting fewer than three work samples
• Applying as a team rather than an individual
• Ignoring safety requirements for risky reporting environments
• Assuming the grant replaces payment from news outlets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding does each fellow receive?
Each selected fellow receives a USD 10,000 reporting grant.
Can international journalists apply?
Yes. International applications are welcome, but visa assistance is not provided.
Can the grant be shared between collaborators?
No. Grants cannot be split between multiple people.
Are video or photojournalists eligible?
No. The fellowship is limited to print and audio journalists.
Do I need a publishing commitment to apply?
No, but a letter of interest from an outlet significantly strengthens your application.
How long do fellows have to complete their stories?
Fellows are expected to complete their reporting within six months of receiving the grant.
Does UC Berkeley help develop or edit pitches?
No. The program does not consult on pitches before submission.
Conclusion
The UC Berkeley Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship Program is a high-value opportunity for experienced print and audio journalists seeking funding for ambitious, well-defined reporting projects. With USD 10,000 grants, global eligibility, and editorial independence, the fellowship supports impactful journalism that advances public understanding of psychedelics through rigorous reporting.
For more information, visit UC Berkeley Journalism.