Michener-Deacon Fellowships
The Michener-Deacon Fellowships for Investigative Journalism, supported by BMO Financial Group, CN and the estate of the late Paul Deacon, encourage excellence in journalism that serves the public interest through improvements in public policy, ethical standards, corporate governance or the lives of Canadians.
Three fellowships available in 2020
In 2020 The Michener Awards Foundation will be offering two fellowships to support investigative reporting and a new fellowship to support journalism education. Each fellowship is for $40,000 and up to $5,000 in accountable expenses. Criteria will be available here after December 1, 2019,
Applicants are expected to undertake projects that aspire to the criteria of the annual Michener Award for meritorious public service journalism with its emphasis on identifiable benefits for the public good, improvements in public policy, ethical standards, corporate governance or the lives of Canadians.
The fellowships are available to mature journalists with at least five years’ experience and to a recognized Canadian news organization to complete a reporting project. Each fellowship offers $40,000 and accountable expenses of up to $5,000.
Proposals are expected to deal with subjects of direct interest to Canadians. Individual applicants must be Canadian citizens who are active in Canadian journalism. They do not have to be resident in Canada at the time of application.
Application Process 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 Process 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.