Bertha Foundation is announcing the launch of the sixth Bertha Challenge. This edition of the challenge is an opportunity for activists and investigative journalists to spend a year working on one pressing social justice challenge and to deliver a body of work at the end of the Fellowship year. Successful applicants will receive non-residential paid Fellowships and project budgets to work independently and together.
Challenge details and focus
The sixth Bertha Challenge will begin in January 2025 with a focus on farming and the climate crisis.
Investigative journalists and activists to apply to the Bertha Challenge Fellowship with a project that responds to the following question:
'How is the interconnectedness between corporate interests and political power in farming contributing to the global climate crisis and what do people and communities do to expose and counter this?'
The Bertha Challenge 6th Edition Benefits
Income for each Bertha Fellow for one year, not exceeding USD 64,900 and commensurate with the applicant’s current or equivalent salary at the host organization – ideally a media outlet for an investigative journalist and an NGO, community organization or social movement for an activist
A Project Fund of up to USD 10,000 for each Bertha Fellow to produce a culminating product that responds to the question posed by the Bertha Challenge, and that is directed towards a specific audience.
Access to a Connect Fund of up to USD 5,000 specifically designed to encourage collaboration between Fellows
Regular online discussions on a range of issues
Peer and mentor support
Network development
A global convening of Bertha Fellows at the start of the Bertha Challenge
Eligibility and Qualifications
1). For activists:
At least five years' experience working with activists, social movements, grassroots and community organizations, social justice organizations or campaigns.
Strong connections to a diverse range of relevant groups in the Fellow's city, country or region, including with social movements, community organizations, NGOs, academics, journalists, progressive government officials etc.
Experience developing organizing tools or popular educational products and materials, for example training courses, publications, pamphlets, films, podcasts, arts, theater productions, etc.
Experience using research, media and the law in advocacy.
Affiliation to an appropriate host organization
2). For investigative journalists
Mid-career journalists with at least five years' experience, a track record and passion for doing investigative journalism.
Strong interest and experience in producing work on the Bertha Challenge question and a proven ability to work with affected communities, social movements, community organizations, NGO's, academics, scientists etc.
Investigative journalism research ability
An ability to work independently.
• Affiliation to an appropriate host media organization that will publish/broadcast work produced during the Bertha Challenge
Application procedure
The application is online, first you need to download and fill the application form according to your category:
For further info, visit the official website at:
• For any further enquiries, email: berthachallenge@berthafoundation.org
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