WSCIJ Opens Applications for CMEDIA Masterclass on Funding, Partnerships and Newsroom Resilience
Journalism editors across Nigeria can now apply for a transformative masterclass focused on sustaining independent media in challenging times.
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has opened applications for its June Masterclass on “Sustaining Impact: Funding, Partnerships, and Newsroom Resilience” under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA) project.
Why This Masterclass Matters
As newsrooms grapple with mounting financial pressures, changing audience behaviors, and a rapidly evolving media landscape, sustaining investigative and public-interest journalism demands more than just good reporting. It requires:
- Innovative funding approaches
- Strategic partnerships
- Resilient newsroom structures
This masterclass brings together local journalism editors for practical conversations on strengthening newsroom sustainability and resilience. Participants will explore funding strategies, revenue diversification opportunities, and partnership models that support impactful reporting and enhance organizational sustainability.
What You’ll Gain
The session provides insights into:
- Navigating current challenges in the media ecosystem
- Identifying opportunities for growth and collaboration
- Building long-term impact for your newsroom
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Deadline: Monday, June 8, 2026
Target Audience: Editorial leaders across Nigeria
Focus Newsroom sustainability, revenue diversification, donor engagement, partnerships
Who Should Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be an editor, managing editor, editor-in-chief, newsroom manager, or hold similar editorial leadership
- Be affiliated with a local, independent, community, digital, print, broadcast, or investigative newsroom in Nigeria
- Demonstrate interest in investigative and public-interest journalism
- Have capacity to influence newsroom strategy, editorial direction, partnerships, or organizational sustainability
Be available on June 30, 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the application form on or before Monday, June 8, 2026.
This masterclass brings together newsroom leaders committed to strengthening independent and public-interest journalism in Nigeria.
For media professionals, especially those in editorial leadership, this is a critical opportunity to build the skills and connections needed for sustainable journalism in today’s challenging environment.
WSCIJ Invites Applications for Civic Space Guard’s Holistic Safety Workshop for Investigative Reporters
Senior investigative journalists in Nigeria can now apply for a critical two-day virtual training on safety across legal, digital, physical, and psychosocial dimensions.
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has opened applications for the Civic Space Guard’s Holistic Safety Workshop for Investigative Reporters, a two-day virtual training scheduled for Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19, 2026 .
Why Investigative Journalists Need This Workshop
Investigative journalism remains one of the most impactful forms of public-interest reporting, but it also exposes journalists to significant risks:
| Risk Type | Examples |
| Legal | Lawsuits, criminal charges, censorship |
| Digital | Cyberattacks, surveillance, data breaches |
| Physical | Assault, threats, detention |
| Psychosocial | Trauma, stress, burnout |
| Economic | Financial pressure, job loss |
As these challenges continue to evolve, journalists require practical safety knowledge and tools that enable them to pursue accountability reporting while protecting themselves, their sources, and their work .
What You’ll Learn
The virtual training is designed to strengthen participants’ capacity to:
- Identify risks associated with investigative reporting
- Assess threat levels and vulnerability points
- Respond effectively to safety challenges
Through expert-led sessions and practical engagements, participants will gain insights into holistic safety approaches that support effective and responsible journalism in increasingly complex reporting environments .
About the Civic Space Guard Initiative
Since its launch in December 2021, the Civic Space Guard initiative has contributed to strengthening the safety, resilience, and preparedness of journalists working to advance accountability and civic space in Nigeria .
Building on lessons from previous engagements in 2024 and 2025, this workshop features tailored sessions addressing the realities and challenges faced by investigative journalists across different reporting beats and locations .
Eligibility Criteria
This workshop is open exclusively to:
- Senior investigative journalists or editors based in Nigeria
- Individuals with a demonstrable track record in investigative or accountability reporting
- Those actively engaged in journalism practice and committed to public-interest reporting
- Participants willing to commit fully to the two-day workshop
- Journalists interested in strengthening safety knowledge across physical, digital, legal, psychosocial, and other relevant dimensions
Event Details
| Aspect | Information |
| Dates | June 18–19, 2026 (Thursday & Friday) |
| Format | Virtual (online) |
| Duration | Two days |
| Application Deadline | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 |
| Target Audience | Senior investigative journalists & editors in Nigeria |
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the application form on or before Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
How to Enter the Fetisov Journalism Awards 2026
Journalists worldwide can submit their best work for a chance to win from a prize fund worth 520,000 CHF (over $640,000 USD).
The Fetisov Journalism Awards (FJA) is open to professional journalists, freelance reporters, and media organizations globally. Here’s everything you need to know to enter.
Four Competition Categories
Submit your story in one category only:
| Category | Focus |
| Outstanding Investigative Reporting | In-depth accountability journalism |
| Outstanding Contribution to Peace | Peace-building and conflict resolution |
| Excellence in Environmental Journalism | Climate, nature, and environmental issues |
| Contribution to Civil Rights | Human rights and civil liberties |
Key Details
| Aspect | Information |
| Deadline | September 15, 2026, 23:59 UTC |
| Entry Fee | None (free to enter) |
| Prize Pool | 520,000 CHF shared among 3 winners per category |
| 1st Place | 100,000 CHF per category |
| 2nd Place | 20,000 CHF per category |
| 3rd Place | 10,000 CHF per category |
Entry Requirements
- Eligibility: Professional journalists, freelancers, or media organizations
- Self-nominations allowed
- Max 3 entries per media organization
- One entry per author in one category only
- Publication date: June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025
- Word limit: 15,000 words maximum
- Format: PDF file, max 10MB, good quality, full readable text
- Language: English (or original + professional English translation)
- Videos/films/audio not accepted as separate works
How to Submit
- Fill out the application form on fjawards.com
- Attach one publication (PDF, max 10MB)
- Include author consent letter (signed) if submitted by third person
- Provide all required personal and publication details in English
Assessment Criteria
Entries are judged on:
- Accuracy and fact-based reporting
- Independence from political/corporate bias
- Impartiality and fairness
- Respect for victims and vulnerable groups
- Transparency in reporting process
- Positive social/political/economic impact
Contact
- Enquiries: info@fjawards.com
- FAQ: fjawards.com/fja-faq
Don’t miss your chance to win one of journalism’s most prestigious international awards. Submit before September 15, 2026.
AXS Film Fund 2026: Apply for Grants Up to $10,000 for Documentary Filmmakers with Disabilities
Documentary filmmakers and nonfiction new media creators of color living with disabilities can now apply for grants to complete their projects at any stage of production.
The AXS Film Fund is now accepting applications through its online portal at axsfilmfundapply.smapply.us.
What the Fund Offers
| Aspect | Details |
| Grant Amount | Up to $10,000 per creator |
| Number of Grants | Up to 5 creators per year |
| Project Stage | Any stage of production (pre-production to post-production) |
| Eligible Formats | Non-fiction media projects, minimum 45 minutes (documentary films or video components) |
Who Can Apply
The fund is specifically designed for:
- Creators of color in documentary filmmaking or nonfiction new media
- Individuals living with a disability (particularly encouraged)
- Age: 18 years or older
- Not enrolled in a full-time degree programme
- Apply individually (financial sponsorship accepted)
- Applications from all backgrounds welcome, though disability focus remains
Key Dates for 2026
| Milestone | Date |
| Portal Opens | June 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | July 31, 2026, 11:59 PM ET |
| Results Announced | January 2027 (expected) |
Application Requirements
- Use the Nonfiction Core Application (led by IDA and Sundance Institute)
- No Letters of Inquiry required
- Submit through the online portal only
- No application fee
Need Accessibility Assistance?
AXS Film Fund recognizes that SurveyMonkey Apply may not be accessible for all applicants. If you need assistance or an alternative submission method:
- Email: filmfund@axslab.org
- Request deadline: July 24, 2026 (submit requests early)
- Application assistant stipend available (up to $500) with pre-approval
Why This Matters
AXS Film Fund brings visibility to disabled creators of color who are often overlooked in the film industry. The fund has grown significantly, with 113 submissions from 260 creatives in 2024—five times more than the first round in 2021.
Fund for Investigative Journalism: Grants Up to $10,000 for Investigative Reporters
Investigative journalists can apply for grants to support groundbreaking investigations exposing corruption, malfeasance, and misuse of power in public and private sectors.
The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) is offering grants to freelance journalists and media outlets for investigative stories on any topic across all media formats.
Grant Types Available
| Grant Type | Amount | Purpose | Publication Commitment |
| Regular Grant | Up to $10,000 | Full investigative stories | Yes – U.S. outlet letter required |
| Seed Grant | Up to $2,500 | Preliminary reporting & research | No – for freelancers defining story ideas |
| Follow-up Grant | Up to $10,000 | Timely follow-ups after initial investigation | Yes |
What Grants Cover
- Travel costs
- Document/records fees
- Reporter’s time
- Equipment rental
- Other investigation expenses
Payment Structure
- 50% paid upon application approval
- 50% paid when project is complete
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Location | U.S.-based reporters or stories with U.S. angle |
| Who Can Apply | Freelance journalists, independent reporters, media outlets |
| Story Focus | Investigative accountability reporting exposing wrongdoing |
| Language | Must be published in English |
| Budget | Detailed budget required |
Bonus Support for Grantees
- Free editorial mentorship from veteran investigative reporters
- Free legal support through partnership with Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
How to Apply
- Submit proposal via fij.org/apply-for-a-grant
- Include: investigative focus, initial findings, reporting plan, detailed budget
- For regular grants: attach letter from U.S. outlet committing to publish
- For seed grants: shorter narrative explaining why there’s a story
Deadlines
FIJ accepts proposals year-round with multiple funding rounds. Check fij.org for current deadlines.
AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards 2026: Entries Now Being Accepted
Journalists worldwide can submit their best science journalism for a chance to win Gold Awards worth $5,000 or Silver Awards worth $3,500.
The AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards is now accepting entries for its 2026 awards, recognizing outstanding science journalism from journalists across all media.
Key Details
| Aspect | Information |
| Contest Year | July 16, 2025 – July 15, 2026 |
| Deadline | August 1, 2026, 11:59 PM U.S. Pacific Time |
| Entry Fee | None (free to enter) |
| Eligibility | Journalists worldwide (independent news organizations) |
| Max Entries | 3 entries total (across any categories) |
Awards
| Award | Prize Amount |
| Gold Award | $5,000 per category |
| Silver Award | $3,500 per category |
| Travel Support | Winners may receive travel/hotel expenses to February 2026 ceremony |
Eligible Categories
All general science journalism categories are open. Entries must be:
- Originally published/broadcast/posted during contest year (July 16, 2025 – July 15, 2026)
- Accessible to public (subscription, newsstand, or online)
- In English (or with English translation)
- Readable PDFs or password-accessible links required for paywall content
Ineligible Entries
- Published originally in AAAS publications (including Science magazine)
- By AAAS employees or Kavli Foundation staff
- 2023 award winners or individuals who’ve won three times
How to Submit
- Submit online at sjawards.aaas.org
- Ensure Dropbox/storage links don’t expire during judging (August 1 – October 30, 2026)
- Read Categories, Submission Procedures, and Contest Rules first
Established in 1945, these awards honor distinguished science journalism globally.
Questions? Email sja@aaas.org