The Michener Awards Foundation offers three fellowships, two in support of investigative reporting and one dedicated to the enrichment of journalism education. Each fellowship is for $40,000 and up to $5,000 in accountable expenses.
Applications will be accepted online from January 16 to February 28, 2020.
The Michener-Deacon Fellowships for Investigative Reporting
Application rules for individuals
Applicants are expected to submit an outline for a proposed project (PDF format). The application must include a letter of reference attesting to the capacity of the candidate to deliver the proposed project and, where applicable, employer support for the candidate. Additional documentation such as undertakings of access or cooperation from third parties, will be welcome. The judges will take into consideration the quality of the candidate’s presentation.
To assist you in your written proposal, please include answers to the following questions:
- What is the research question that drives your proposed investigation? (What is already known about this topic, and what needs to be found out? Please be as specific as possible.)
- How is this topic of public importance and what is its potential public impact?
- What will be the chief sources of information for your investigation? (Please list as many types of sources as apply.)
- In what way would you describe this project as “investigative” in nature?
- What is your publication plan? Ideally, this will include multiple national platforms, along with proof that approaches have been made, and that there is interest and support from a senior editorial person.
Applications must include an expression by an employer or a news organization of intent or, preferably, a commitment to publish or broadcast the completed project. The publication or broadcast must indicate that the project was supported and funded by the Michener Awards Foundation. In addition, the project or a summary must be made available for posting on the website of the Michener Awards Foundation.
Application rules for news organizations
The application must be filed in the name of a senior news executive. It should outline the proposed project and respond to the following questions:
- What is the research question that drives your proposed investigation? (What is already known about this topic, and what needs to be found out? Please be as specific as possible.)
- How is this topic of public importance and what is its potential public impact?
- Would the project proceed without the fellowship?
- What staff will you assign to the project?
- What will be the chief sources of information for your investigation? (Please list as many types of sources as apply.)
- In what way would you describe this project as “investigative” in nature?
- What is your publication plan?
The judges will take into account the size of the news organization and its overall news resources. The publication or broadcast must indicate that the project was funded in part by the Michener Awards Foundation. In addition, the project or a summary must be made available for posting on the website of the Michener Awards Foundation.
Michener-L. Richard O’Hagan Fellowship for Journalism Education
Application Process
This fellowship is open to teams of up to four people (or organizations including journalism schools and media organizations). The team must include at least one journalism educator from a supporting post-secondary institution and one experienced journalist.
Applicants are expected to submit an outline for a proposed project (PDF format). The application should include a letter of reference attesting to the team’s capacity to deliver the proposed project and, where applicable, university or employer support for the candidate/team. Additional documentation such as undertakings of access or cooperation from third parties will be welcome. The judges will take into consideration the quality of the candidate’s presentation.
Applicants are advised to answer the following questions:
- How will this project improve the education of Canadian journalists and journalism students?
- What makes this project important and how could it expand the knowledge of newsroom products, processes and practices?
- What is already known about the project’s topic, tactic or technique?
- How is this project of public importance and what is its potential public impact for journalism education?
- What will be the chief sources of information for your project? (Please list as many types of sources as apply.)
- What is your project’s roll-out plan? Be specific.
Applications must include an expression of interest and commitment from an employer, academic and/or educational institution. If accepted, the project will acknowledge it was supported and funded by the Michener Awards Foundation. In addition, the project or a summary must be made available for posting on the website of the Michener Awards Foundation.