OVERVIEW: The Reynolds Journalism Institute seeks to partner journalists, scholars, and the business community to help improve journalism for a stronger democracy.
IP TAKE: This funder prioritizes support for projects that benefit other news organizations and their readers. Successful applicants will propose projects that strengthen the industry rather than individual news stories. It’s accessible, but grants are very competitive. Only U.S. citizens, news organizations, and international news outlets are eligible. Although, international journalists who intend to partner with U.S.-based journalists or organizations are also eligible.
PROFILE: Created in 2004, the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute was established with a $31 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. It is located at the University of Missouri’s Missouri School of Journalism, one of the major cornerstones of journalist education. The institute seeks to engage “media professionals, scholars and other citizens in programs aimed at strengthening journalism in the service of democracy.” It supports journalism through a series of fellowships.
Grants for Journalism and Higher Education
The institute supports responsible, accountable journalism through via three fellowship categories:
Residential Fellowships support individuals focusing on “a particular journalism problem.” Fellows spend two semesters at the Missouri School of Journalism working with faculty and students, and receive a monthly stipend of $10,000 and a one-time housing allowance of $10,000.
Nonresidential Fellowships support individuals working at the intersection of journalism and digital communications. Accepted proposals should contribute to the future of the news industry. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $2,500 and support for research and travel.
Institutional Fellowships allow institutions to develop “some of the thoughtful, meaningful ideas” that they would not normally have the resources to pursue. The company nominates an employee to be named an RJI Fellow and to work on the project. The fellow remains an employee of the company or institution, which receives the $20,000 stipend.
For a clearer idea of what each fellowship offers, grantseekers can use the institute’s Fellowship Comparison Matrix.
Important Grant Details:
View past fellows here. Grant seekers should read over the FAQs before applying.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS: