Equality Fund Journalism Fellowship 2026-2027 ($4,000 CAD stipend)

September 24, 2026

Overview

The Equality Fund Journalism Fellowship 2026-2027 aims to bring out stories of local solutions to global crises, with a focus on gender. It selects five journalists in countries eligible for official development assistance (ODA). The Fund argues that rising global violence, weakening democracy and pressure on human rights make powerful, fact-based storytelling more important for decision-makers in public and private settings.

What you get

The fellowship includes six months of programming, followed by three more months to finalise publication, running from January to September 2027. Fellows receive a stipend of $4,000 CAD and up to $500 in reporting expenses.

Monthly online meetings are led by journalists and experts, including climate journalist Nina Lakhani of The Guardian, journalism and ethics professor Kelly Kimball of CUNY, and safety trainers from the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) and Freedom of the Press Foundation. There is also one in-person convening, with location and timing still to be decided and travel expenses included.

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to full-time or independent freelance journalists with at least three years of experience who are based in, and report on, communities in ODA-recipient countries. Women, non-binary and trans people are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Applicants need three strong journalism samples showing a range of relevant work, fluency in English, and the ability to attend meetings during daytime hours in Eastern Standard Time. They should have a strong affinity for the Equality Fund's mission and values, which include equality and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and disability. A bank account able to receive international electronic wire transfers is also required.