Fellowship

Equality Fund Global Journalism Fellowship 2026

September 29, 2026

The Equality Fund Global Journalism Fellowship 2026 is offering journalists in eligible Global South countries an opportunity to develop and publish reporting projects focused on local solutions to global crises, with a particular emphasis on gender.

The inaugural fellowship will support up to five journalists and is designed for reporters who are already working within the communities and countries they cover.

About the Equality Fund Global Journalism Fellowship

The programme will run from January to September 2027, and it includes six months of fellowship programming, followed by up to three additional months for Fellows to complete and publish their stories.

Also, the Equality Fund has partnered with Canadian Journalists for Free Expression and African Women in Media for the programme.

Stories may explore issues including climate change, gender-based violence, human rights, democracy, economic injustice, conflict and other global crises.

What Fellows Receive

Each selected journalist receives:

A CAD $4,000 fellowship stipend.
Up to CAD $500 for reporting expenses.
Six months of fellowship programming.
Up to three additional months to complete and publish their reporting.
Monthly online meetings with journalists and experts.
Journalism and ethics-related learning opportunities.
Safety training.
One in-person convening, with travel expenses included.
Editorial independence over their fellowship work.

Freelance journalists can continue to receive publication fees from their outlets in addition to the fellowship stipend. Full-time journalists are required to notify their newsroom about the fellowship stipend.

Who Can Apply for the Equality Fund Global Journalism Fellowship 2026?

Applicants must:

Have at least three years of journalism experience.
Be located in and reporting on communities in an ODA-recipient country.
Submit three strong journalism samples.
Be fluent in English.
Be able to participate in meetings during daytime Eastern Standard Time hours.
Have an affinity with the Equality Fund’s mission and values.
Have a bank account capable of receiving international electronic wire transfers.

The fellowship is open to working journalists across different platforms, including text, digital, video, and audio. Well, women, non-binary, and trans journalists are encouraged to apply.

What Kind of Story Is Expected?

The fellowship is looking for fact-based reporting about local solutions to global crises, particularly stories that bring attention to solutions being developed within communities.

Potential subjects include:

Climate change
Gender-based violence
Human rights
Democracy
Economic injustice
War and conflict
Sexual and reproductive rights and health

Applicants should have a clear reporting idea that fits the fellowship’s focus.

How to Apply for the Equality Fund Global Journalism Fellowship 2026

Here are the steps to apply for the program.

Review the official application guidelines.
Confirm that you meet the journalism experience and location requirements.
Prepare three strong journalism samples.
Develop your proposed reporting idea.
Prepare the required application information.
Submit the application through the Equality Fund’s official application process.
Make sure the application is submitted before the closing time.

The Equality Fund also states that applicants should be prepared to follow trauma-informed reporting practices and participate in community roundtables where possible.