Deadline: January 3, 2022.

EJN is offering reporting grants to support the production of in-depth or investigative stories that will highlight progress toward a post-pandemic “green recovery”.

The Covid-19 pandemic has become the most disruptive global health emergency in modern history, with devastating consequences for people across the world. With economies starting to slow due to lockdown measures, governments in many countries have announced stimulus plans worth trillions of dollars to revive economic prospects and boost business and job opportunities. Some economists, government leaders and energy think tanks have called this an opportunity for a “green recovery”, a win-win situation which will reinvigorate the economy while working towards a greener, more carbon-neutral future.

EJN is seeking to increase reporting on this emerging topic in order to improve public understanding of these actions and ensure that governments are held accountable for implementing recovery plans that work towards a sustainable future. This is a critically timed opportunity to shape investment for years to come, and for the public to have a voice in ensuring that their country is rebuilt better than before.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Applications are open to journalists (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with experience in investigative reporting and covering environment and/or issues related to climate.
2. They encourage applications from freelancers and staff from all types of media organizations—international, national, local and community-based.
3. They are seeking to support both early-career and senior journalists with many years of reporting experience.
4. 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 group’s behalf, if awarded.

GRANT

 They expect to award 10 grants with the average grant amount being 1,100 GBP. They may consider larger grant amounts for stories using innovative or investigative approaches that may be more costly and time-consuming.

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.

APPLICATION

1. Applicants should provide a detailed budget with justification for the amount requested using this template. 
2. You must submit two samples of stories or links to relevant work. You’ll be asked to upload these as part of the application process.

OFFICIAL LINK