Apply for Louise Behan Reporting Grant

Deadline Date: July 15, 2024

 Donor Name: World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ)

 Grant Size: Less than $1000

The World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) has launched the Louise Behan Reporting Grants to support science journalists in low-income countries (as defined by the World Bank) to report on stories of importance to that country or region.

The grants support those in the Global South who are reporting on matters of interest in their country or region as part of the WFSJ’s long standing commitment to training journalists from around the world. 

Because of its experience in training journalists and to maximize the grants’ impact, WFSJ ensures the grants are used in synergy with its regular activities, such as training programmes and the World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ).

The grants are organized in partnership with the IDRC and managed by the WFSJ thanks to a generous donation from Louise Behan in support of science journalism.

Funding Information

• The funding provided by Louise Behan is held in a bank account and the grants are provided from the interest generated by the initial donation. To make the best use of available funds, amounts between CA$300 and CA$800 will be granted to enable completion of projects. WFSJ has often seen how grants at this level, for example to fund travel to a specific region of a recipient’s own country, can help produce award-winning reporting.
• Depending on the scope and nature of the reporting project, the grant may be divided into two payments, with an amount made available upon acceptance and the remainder provided after the publication of the reporting piece.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Louise Behan Reporting Grants are exclusively awarded to journalists already selected to participate in WFSJ activities or as recipients of scholarships to attend forthcoming WCSJs. The grants therefore help journalists already involved in WFSJ training activities to produce more stories meeting the criteria of good science journalism, by putting into practice skills developed during these activities.
• The WFSJ Board of Directors identify potential grant recipients and invite them to provide applications. Eligible reporting projects must meet the basic criteria of science journalism. As such, they must include a scientific perspective on an issue and interviews with researchers or scientists.
• Applications are welcomed from reporters who are working in a country the World Bank defines as lower income. Extensive experience in science reporting is not essential, but you will be asked to provide links to material that you have published or broadcast during the course of your career. Your proposal could be an addition to work you have already begun or completed. 

For more information, visit WFSJ.