Applications Invited for Earth Journalism Network Biodiversity Story Grants 2020

Follow us @ngobox

About the Organization:

Earth Journalism Network (EJN) was developed to enable journalists from developing countries to cover the environment more effectively. They are now a truly global network working with reporters and media outlets in virtually every region of the world. In our mission to improve the quantity and quality of environmental reporting, EJN trains journalists to cover a wide variety of issues, develops innovative online environmental news sites and produces content for local media – including ground-breaking investigative reports.

Biodiversity Story Grants 2020

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. This is the first round of story grants under the re-launch of our Biodiversity Media Initiative, with financial support from Arcadia - a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.

Story Themes

They welcome all story ideas, but special consideration will be given to applicants looking to conduct investigative or enterprise reporting on biodiversity or conservation topics. For this round, they are particularly interested in reading proposals that will examine intersections between the Covid-19 pandemic and biodiversity conservation.

As they are looking to bring global awareness to 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.

Eligibility Criteria

• For the purposes of this grant call, EJN is only accepting applications for stories focused on the countries listed on the website. They will also consider applications for stories about Russia, or by Russian journalists. They will prioritize applications from reporters based in the countries listed, though journalists from any country can apply.
• 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.
• They are seeking to support both early-career and senior journalists with many years of reporting experience. They’ll 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 groups behalf, if awarded.

Story Approach & Format

• They expect to award between 6-10 grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the proposal and needs. They will consider larger grant amounts for stories using innovative or investigative approaches that may be more costly and time-consuming.
• Applicants should provide a detailed budget with justification for the amount requested using the template provided below. They have not set a specific amount because we are asking you to consider what you'll need to do this type of reporting. They do ask that the budgets be reasonable and account for costs necessary for reporting without being extraneous. They expect that stories will be produced with equipment the applicant already has access to (including cameras, drones, lighting, tripods, etc.) and will not consider budgets that heavily focus on producing new supplies.
• 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.
• Those who are awarded grants are free to publish or broadcast their stories in their affiliated media as long as EJN and Arcadia are also given rights to edit, publish, broadcast and distribute them freely. Freelance reporters should demonstrate a plan for publication or broadcast and are encouraged to provide a letter of interest from the editor.

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 visualisation will be considered a plus.

If you encounter difficulties with submitting your application or have questions about the grants, please email info.ejn@internews.org.

Deadline: 18 December 2020, 11:59 PM, (UTC -11)

For more information please check the Link