The unprecedented global pandemic has reaffirmed the crucial work of journalists and media organisations to provide accurate and timely information to the audiences they serve.
It has also exacerbated the financial pressures on the news media industry, and with that, increased the vulnerability of individual media practitioners.
In response, WAN-IFRA Women in News has launched the WIN Social Impact Reporting Initiative Africa. This will provide direct support in the form of small cash grants (for media organisations and industry associations) and sponsorship for reporting assignments (for individual journalists) that focus on social impact.
Members of the WIN community, as well as select community and local media, operating in print, digital and radio are invited to apply. Industry associations may also apply.
At this time only applications from Sub-Saharan Africa countries in which WIN is active will be considered including Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Please review the FAQs below to determine eligibility, and whether you should submit an application as an individual or as an organisation.
INDIVIDUALS: ELIGIBILITY FOR SOCIAL IMPACT REPORTING ASSIGNMENTS
Which individuals can apply?
Sponsorship for reporting assignments through the Women in News Social Impact Reporting Initiative is available for individuals who are currently enrolled in, or are alumnae of, any Women in News programme dating back to 2010.
While we will assess each application individually on its merits, you may apply as an ‘individual’ if any of the below conditions apply:
– You have been made redundant by your organisation as a result of COVID-19
– You have been made to take unpaid leave for an extended period
– You have been made to take a salary cut of 50% or more for an extended period
– You are a correspondent who has seen a work contract cancelled or reduced due to COVID-19
You may not apply if you are currently employed on a full-time basis, or have a full-time reporting contract in place.
How much can I apply for?
Journalists may apply for grants for assignments from USD500 to USD3,000. The amount requested by an individual should reflect the scope and length of the proposed assignment.
What type of assignment can I propose as the reporting assignment?
You can propose any type of story, or series of stories, reports, or features, in any format: (e.g. print, podcast, video etc.)
Thematically, assignments should reflect the social, economic or health-related impacts of COVID-19 (directly or indirectly), or general interest stories with an emphasis on segments of the population that are considered vulnerable or under-represented. This may be defined by gender, age, geography, racial or sexual identity, as well as economic status. Click here for more on Sida’s multi-dimensional view of poverty.
Can I request equipment or hardware?
No. This is primarily a fees-based assignment. Other nominal expenses such as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), local transport or data purchases should be incorporated into the overall assignment fees proposed.
Can I apply and receive sponsorship for more than one reporting assignment?
No. Currently, individuals may only receive one assignment.
Is there a deadline for applications?
No. Applications may be submitted at any point. They will be reviewed on an ongoing, or rolling basis.
Are there editorial guidelines for the assignments?
No. That said, any proposed reporting assignments that focus on vulnerable or under-represented segments of the population will be given priority. This could be defined by gender, age, geography, racial or sexual identity, as well as economic status.
Are there reporting requirements for the assignments?
Yes. We require the submission of the completed reporting assignment(s) as well as evidence of publication/broadcast etc.
Must the assignments be earmarked for publication to qualify?
The assignments are intended for publication. If you are aligned to a publication you should pitch the idea to them when applying. If you are unable to secure interest in publishing your work, for reasons of termination or closure, WAN-IFRA will work with you to find an alternative publication.
Click here to apply as an individual.
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us at: info@womeninnews.org
ORGANISATIONS: ELIGIBLE FOR SOCIAL IMPACT REPORTING SMALL GRANTS
What organisations are eligible to apply?
Media outlets in print, digital or radio may apply for short-term grants to support their efforts to bring timely and accurate information to their audiences. Industry associations that are coordinating efforts on the ground on behalf of the media industry may also apply.
Priority will be given to any media organisation or media-related industry association that aims to deliver news and information to vulnerable or under-represented communities and the stories of vulnerable or under-represented communities to mainstream society. Community and local media organisations will also be given priority.
At this time only applications from Sub-Saharan Africa countries in which WIN is active will be considered including Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Vulnerable or under-represented segments of the population could be defined by gender, age, geography, racial or sexual identity, as well as economic status. Click here for more on Sida’s multi-dimensional view of poverty.
How much can my organisation apply for?
Organisations may apply for between USD2,000 and up to a maximum of USD10,000.
(Note: the majority of grants issued will be in the USD5,000 to 7,000 range)
Can my organisation receive more than one grant?
No. Currently, organisations may only receive one grant.
Is there a deadline for applications?
No. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing, or rolling basis.
Do I need to submit a report?
Yes. Organisations will need to submit a brief financial and narrative report.
What sort of things can I use the grant for?
Appropriate activities or expenditure are defined by each initiative, however, they could broadly include:
– Personal protective equipment (PPE)
– Activity/implementation costs
– Core costs
– Salaries/fees
Note that grants cannot be used to purchase technical equipment or hardware.
Click here to apply for a grant as an organisation.
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us at: info@womeninnews.org
