The IWMF’s Journalism Relief Fund is open to women-identifying journalists in dire straits – journalists who have faced significant financial hardship, lost work, were recently laid off or who urgently need assistance to avoid severe, irreversible outcomes. This fund will provide small grants of up to $2,000 USD per request. However, special consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis to those who have greater financial needs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IWMF is turning our attention to how we may best serve our community of women journalists at this unprecedented moment in history. Based on early, anecdotal evidence of canceled assignments, lost income and an inability to pay essential living expenses, we anticipate a great need for support within our global network of journalists – especially among freelancers with no safety net.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
If your situation is not urgent, they urge you NOT to apply to this fund. The IWMF has a limited staff capacity to review applications. Please do not delay help to your peers in need by submitting a request that is not urgent. They are all in this together. Be there for your peers so The IWMF can be there for all of you.
The IWMF works to unleash the power of female journalists to transform the global news media. Their fellows and grantees — both freelance and staff journalists — become experts in reporting in underserved regions, generate must-read stories, align with top outlets, and bring critical issues affecting women and others to light. They are the only organization that provides safety training, byline opportunities, and emergency support tailored to female journalists and photographers around the world. The International Women’s Media Foundation, located in Washington, D.C., is an organization working internationally to elevate the status of women in the media. The IWMF has created programs to help women in the media develop practical solutions to the obstacles they face in their careers and lives.
Benefits
The IWMF’s Journalism Relief Fund provides women-identifying journalists with the following:
- Living assistance to prevent homelessness and food insecurity
- Acute medical care and mental health services
- Childcare
- Legal support
Eligibilities
To be eligible for the IWMF’s Journalism Relief Fund, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a staff or freelance woman-identifying reporter, working in any medium, whose primary profession is journalism (priority would be given to freelancers and journalists recently laid off);
- Has worked full-time as a journalist within six months of applying for assistance;
- Apply for assistance directly related to the global health crisis;
- And, has no other sources of income available at this time.
Application Process
- To request assistance from the IWMF’s Journalism Relief Fund, you must complete the preliminary questionnaire given on the Apply Now link.
- All requests will undergo a verification process.
- Requests that do not meet the criteria will not be considered.
- Requests will be reviewed daily.
Apply nowOfficial linkLooking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
