DEADLINE: Spark Grant Initiative

Members of the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) are invited to build on the success of the last two World Conferences of Science Journalists (WCSJ) through a new initiative from the five associations of science journalists that organized these events.

The Spark Grant Initiative (SGI) will provide funding for work that strengthens science journalism locally while also benefitting the worldwide community. Proposals are now being accepted for projects that enhance the boundaries of science journalism at every level, applying novel approaches, novel tools, knowledge sharing, international cooperation, and ideas with the ability to surprise us all.

SGI has been funded with US$100,000 that has been provided by the Swiss Association of Science Journalism, Association des journalistes scientifiques de la presse d’information (France), Science Writers in Italy, the National Association of Science Writers (United States), and the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing. The program will run under the auspices of the WFSJ, which will showcase the results of the chosen projects as part of next year’s World Conference of Science Journalists in Medellín, Colombia.

Individual projects are eligible for grants of up to US$20,000.

Note: Projects or initiatives must be brand new, i.e., not the continuation or renewal of existing initiative. Special consideration will be given to projects strengthening the cooperation between science journalists’ communities in different countries or designed as demonstration projects that others might emulate.

As members of WSFJ, SEJ and its members are eligible to apply for Spark Grant Initiative funds. Go here for all information and application instructions.

NOTE: To apply, you will need a letter from SEJ attesting that you are a member. Please contact SEJ Executive Director Meaghan Parker at mparker@sej.org with your project proposal to request a letter.