Solutions Journalism Fellowship FAQ’s
What is the Maternal Figures Solutions Journalism Fellowship
The Maternal Figures Solutions Journalism Fellowship is a fellowship open to Nigerian reporters and editors (living in Nigeria) who are interested in producing in-depth and rigorous reporting about maternal health interventions implemented in Nigeria and expanding the practice of solutions journalism within their newsrooms.
How much financial support does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship currently provides a stipend, up to N150,000 to each reporter and editor selected.The stipend can be used to cover reporting costs, including travel, accommodation and the journalist’s time. The stipend is not payment for the production of the story/stories. We expect the publishing outlet to pay the selected journalists and editors for their work. However, in exceptional cases where a publication is willing to assign a story but is unable to pay for it, we may allow the grant to be used to cover the writer’s fee, if a reasonable explanation is provided. The stipend will be provided to the journalist in two installments - one at the beginning of the fellowship and the final installment will be provided after the story is published.
What other support does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship also offers editorial support. We can work with the journalist by teaching them how to use our database to access documents or additional information about the selected intervention or similar interventions. We also provide training on how to use solutions journalism to cover endemic issues.
When is the application deadline for the fellowship?
We accept applications on a rolling basis. But we do have deadlines to consider applications quarterly. To be considered for the April - June 2021 quarter, journalists must apply by February 26, 2021.
What kind of stories are you looking for?
We’re looking for stories about the successes and failures of maternal health interventions implemented in Nigeria. Maternal health continues to be an endemic problem in the country, but governments, donors, and communities have come together to address the issue over the last three decades. We’re looking for rigorous stories that can answer the question: is this solution working, if so how? And if it’s not, why? In the past, we’ve funded stories that looked at the successes and shortcomings of Nigeria’s seven-year strategic plan to bring malaria related mortality to zero and a donor organization’s total market approach to saving the lives of pregnant women in Cross River state.
How can I make my pitch stand out?
Make sure you’ve identified a solution
Make sure you understand what the solution is, how it’s being implemented and what are its goals are
Make sure your pitch includes all of the Solutions Journalism elements
How can I find maternal health solutions to write about?
Check out our database, we have over 150!
How can I apply?
Access the application here
More questions? Email us at [email protected]
