The National Association of Science Writers’ Diversity Committee is seeking to fund strong, high-impact story proposals, involving one or more freelance writers, that will focus on how a science, environment, or health-related issue is affecting marginalized communities. This opportunity is open to all freelance science writers pitching to publications in the U.S.
Given the added economic challenges currently facing many, we have increased the monetary support available. The NASW Diversity Reporting Grants, launched in 2020, will provide up to $1,500 per grant. Funds can be used to support travel, reporting costs, and/or the recipient's time. Applicants will need to demonstrate that there is interest from at least one publication, broadly defined, in commissioning their piece.
We ask that selected recipients note in the piece, if possible, or in their portfolio, that it was supported in whole or part by an NASW Diversity Reporting Grant. Read the coverage produced by previous recipients in 2020 and 2021.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 15, 2022. Grant recipients will be notified in mid-December.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Open to any freelance science writer. Work must be intended for an outlet or platform, e.g. magazine, newspaper, website, broadcast outlet, or institutional publication (such as an alumni magazine) with a presence in the U.S. You do not need to be a member of NASW.
- We prioritize applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, nationality, age, socioeconomic status, and/or belief.
- We expect the publishing outlet to pay the selected freelance writers 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.
- Previous year’s winners are not eligible.
To apply, please visit this Submittable form and provide the following:
- A 300-word description of the proposed project highlighting how your story focuses on one or more communities whose stories are underrepresented in the media.
- A brief description of your project’s budget.* Outline how you will spend the grant money, and offer a rough timetable for the project’s completion.
- A copy of a communication (such as a letter or email) expressing interest from an editor at a target outlet that publishes in the U.S. Note that this does not have to be a formal assignment or promise of work. We are simply looking for an indication that the proposed story has a good chance of being published.
- Three examples (links) of published work from each applicant in the last year. These clips do not need to be science-related.
*Here’s what an example budget and timeline might look like:
Estimated budget
$450 Equipment purchase of X needed for Y
$150 Transcription estimate
$400 X hours of my time to do Z
$500 Airfare for reporting trip to Denver
______
1,000 Total
Estimated timeline
Jan 15 Reporting complete
Feb 1 Draft to editor
Mar 15 Anticipated publication in XYZ publication
The NASW Diversity Committee focuses on special projects and programs that support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in science journalism. The committee’s initiatives are intended to support writers from underrepresented communities and bring new members into the field. Please direct any questions to diversity@nasw.org.
Established in 1934, the National Association of Science Writers fosters the dissemination of accurate information regarding science by supporting the professional development of science writers. Membership is open to working journalists, PIOs, writers, authors, and other content creators, as well as students. Our community spans freelancers and employees working at newspapers, wire services, magazines, radio and television, and digital properties, as well as universities, agencies, and other institutions across the United States and beyond. Above all, NASW fights for the free flow of science news. To learn more, visit www.nasw.org and follow us at twitter.com/ScienceWriters.
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