WiJS x JRF Bursary Programme (United Kingdom)

Part of the bursary programme involves working with an established woman journalist who will support successful applicants. This could be by helping to develop news lines, devising a list of target publications and advising on research techniques.

Ideas

• They expect proposed projects to be reasonably developed with some initial research already undertaken. They welcome ideas for:
  • Investigations
  • Features
  • Documentaries
  • Radio productions
  • Podcasts
  • Travel writing
  • Interviews
  • Non-fiction book proposals

What you get?

• £1,500 to develop a journalism project to pitch stage
• A journalist mentor to help each project reach its potential
• Two check-in meetings with Women in Journalism Scotland to provide extra guidance
• Support from experts at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation if required
• The funding will be spent on working up a project from idea stage to a developed pitch ready to be taken to a publication (newspaper/broadcaster/online resource etc) or launched independently.

Eligibility Criteria

• This opportunity is suited to early to mid-career freelance women journalists. Applicants should have a number of bylines under their belt and be confident of being able to get their project published. They define mid-career journalists as anyone who still believes they have room to grow in their career.
• Women journalists in staff jobs can also apply but there must be no contractual barrier to you pitching your project to a wide range of publications (a supporting statement from your employer may be required).
• The bursary programme is not open to students.
• Entrants must be a member of Women in Journalism Scotland
• Applicants must have experienced economic inequality at some stage in their lives. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • In childhood:
    • A family member in receipt of benefits
    • Family members employed in low-paid work
    • Family members who were unable to work due to disability or long-term illness (whether physical or mental ill-health)
    • Having experience of the care system
  • In adulthood:    
    • Receiving Universal Credit or another equivalent means-tested benefit
    • Experiencing housing or food insecurity
    • Experiencing economic and/or social inequalities during their child’s early years and/or after returning to work from maternity or adoption leave
    • Experiencing financial hardship while suffering discrimination in whatever setting (whether work, education or provision of services), including due to race.
    • Experiencing financial hardship while in a caring role
    • Experiencing financial hardship while recovering from illness, chronic health condition, or being disabled.

For more information, visit WiJS.