Apply for the Pulitzer Center RIN Fellowship 2025! Investigative journalism funding for global rainforest reporting – open till Dec 31, 2024.
Introduction
The Pulitzer Center Rainforest Investigations Network (RIN) Reporting Fellowship for 2025 is now accepting applications.
This fellowship targets experienced investigative journalists, enabling them to investigate the complex causes of deforestation across major tropical rainforest regions: the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia.
The RIN Fellowship supports journalists financially and provides a global platform to connect with media partners and collaborate on impactful environmental reporting.
Key Details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | December 31, 2024 |
| Region of Focus | Amazon, Congo Basin, Southeast Asia |
| Fellowship Type | Full-time, Yearlong |
| Eligibility | Experienced journalists, staff or freelance, with a focus on tropical regions |
| Support Provided | Salary support, travel, and reporting expenses |
| Application Link | Apply Here |
Overview of the Fellowship
The RIN Fellowship fosters collaboration among journalists worldwide to investigate the structural and financial factors driving tropical rainforest destruction.
This program focuses on uncovering illegal activities, supply chain issues, and financial incentives behind deforestation.
Through this fellowship, journalists gain the support and resources needed to tackle complex stories that are challenging to pursue independently.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Experience: Seasoned investigative journalists with a track record in covering issues related to the Amazon, Congo Basin, or Southeast Asia.
- Location Flexibility: Journalists based outside these rainforest regions are also eligible if their reporting focuses on deforestation in these areas.
- Employment Type: Open to both staff and freelance journalists. Freelancers need endorsement from a newsroom committed to hosting and publishing their work.
- Knowledge and Skills: Strong understanding of the environmental, social, economic, and political dynamics driving deforestation.
- Collaborative Spirit: Able to work effectively with other journalists across borders.
Benefits of the RIN Fellowship
The RIN Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for journalists to deepen their expertise, access a global network, and work on high-impact stories. Benefits include:
- Financial Support: The fellowship covers a reporter’s salary, travel, and additional reporting costs.
- Access to Resources: Journalists gain access to the Pulitzer Center’s Data and Research team for advanced training in data analysis and digital tools, such as satellite imagery.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for specialized training in environmental reporting, financial tracking, and cross-border investigations.
- Networking and Collaboration: Fellows connect with a community of global journalists and build relationships that may continue beyond the fellowship.
- Career Advancement: Fellows work on significant investigations that contribute to their professional growth and visibility in the field of investigative journalism.
Application Process
To apply for the Pulitzer Center RIN Fellowship, applicants should submit the following documents:
- Statement of Purpose: A 500-word essay on why this fellowship aligns with your career goals and how it would benefit your investigations.
- Project Proposal: A 1,000-word investigative project plan detailing a specific deforestation-related investigation, focusing on uncovering hidden or systemic issues.
- Work Samples: Three published examples of your impactful investigations from the past three years.
- Support Letter: Freelance journalists must provide a letter from a newsroom agreeing to host and publish the fellow’s work.
- Professional References: Provide contact details or letters from three professional references.
- Résumé/Curriculum Vitae: An updated CV showcasing relevant experience and skills.
Note: Applicants are encouraged to draft a proposal with a concrete investigative plan, preferably involving cross-border collaboration.
Conclusion
The Pulitzer Center Rainforest Investigations Network Fellowship 2025 offers a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in environmental journalism.
By providing both financial and professional resources, the RIN Fellowship supports journalists in investigating deforestation’s complex causes and effects.
This program invites experienced journalists to take on cross-border stories with global impact and to collaborate within an international network dedicated to preserving our world’s rainforests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the RIN Fellowship?
This fellowship is open to experienced investigative journalists with a track record covering the Amazon, Congo Basin, or Southeast Asia. Freelance journalists must secure newsroom support.
2. Can journalists outside the rainforest regions apply?
Yes, journalists outside the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia can apply as long as their reporting focuses on issues affecting these regions.
3. What kind of support does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship provides salary support, reporting expenses, access to advanced training, and resources for collaborative investigations.
4. What should the project proposal include?
The proposal should outline a concrete investigative project focusing on deforestation. Include details on cross-border collaboration if relevant.
5. How can I apply?
Applications must be submitted online by December 31, 2024. Applicants should include a statement of purpose, project proposal, work samples, letters of support, references, and a résumé.