The Michener-Deacon Fellowship is Canada's premier award to encourage excellence in investigative print, broadcast, and online journalism that serves the public interest.
The Fellowship is granted annually to a mature journalist for four months' leave. It provides $30,000 and accountable expenses of up to $5,000 to allow the winner time to complete a project that serves the public interest and enhances the journalist's competence.
Canadian citizens or residents of Canada who are active in Canadian journalism are eligible to apply. Proposals of direct Canadian interest are preferred.
Applicants are expected to submit written outlines for their proposed projects (5 copies - plus 5 copies of any supporting material). The judges will take into consideration the candidate's enthusiasm for the proposed project and the quality of the presentation.
Applicants must provide copies of academic records and relevant work history. They should include a written authorization for leave and set out any additional means of financial support that may be available such as continuing salary and travel expenses. (e.g. paid leave of absence)
Study at a Canadian university may be part of a successful application but it is not a requirement. University approval must accompany applications whose projects include such study.
Fellowship projects have included inquiries into the relationship between pharmaceutical companies and research funding at universities, the future of public broadcasting, threats to privacy, and issues arising from Canada's diversified racial mix.
Applications must include an expression of interest or, preferably, a commitment to publish or air the completed project. The project or a summary must be made available for posting on the website of the Michener Awards Foundation.
The fellowship is named after the late Right Honourable Roland Michener and the late Paul S. Deacon, former Foundation president and generous benefactor.
Applications for the 2011 Michener-Deacon Fellowship will be accepted after January 1, 2011.
Michener Awards Foundation
130 Albert Street, Suite 201
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4