Funding opportunity: how to apply to this year's WiJS x JRF bursary programme

Women in Journalism Scotland and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have launched the second year of their WiJS x JRF bursary programme.

Five women journalists will each be awarded £1,500 to develop a project shining a light on economic and / or social inequalities around Scotland.

The project should be solutions-driven. More information on the types of projects considered can be found below.

The funding will be spent on working up a project from idea stage to a developed pitch ready to be taken to a publication (newspaper / broadcaster / online resource etc) or launched independently.

Part of the bursary programme involves working with an established woman journalist who will support successful applicants. This could be by helping to develop news lines, devising a list of target publications and advising on research techniques.

The funding will support successful applicants over a three month period in 2024. We expect all projects to be pitched to editors by October.

Heather Dewar, co-chair of Women in Journalism Scotland, said: “This bursary scheme provides an invaluable level of support to women journalists who often struggle with the financial pressures of long-term projects.

“The funding allows them to work at a pace which aligns with their desired goals and other life commitments and gives them the space to investigate their subject matter in a thorough, concise manner.

“We know from past experience how beneficial this support has been for our journalists, and we hope to see that continuing in the future, as the bursary scheme progresses.”

Chris Birt, associate director for Scotland for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “This bursary is crucial at a time when so many people across Scotland are struggling in face of hardship and inequality.

“In that context it is crucial that stories are told and solutions found to the challenges that people face and this bursary, along with the support of a mentor, will support more women journalists to do so.

“Powerful journalism drives change and I’m excited to see the outputs from this year’s successful applicants.”

PROJECTS CONSIDERED

We expect proposed projects to be reasonably developed with some initial research already undertaken. We welcome ideas for:

  • Investigations

  • Features

  • Documentaries

  • Radio productions

  • Podcasts

  • Travel writing

  • Interviews

  • Non-fiction book proposals

WHAT YOU GET

  • £1,500 to develop a journalism project to pitch stage

  • A journalist mentor to help each project reach its potential

  • Two check-in meetings with Women in Journalism Scotland to provide extra guidance

  • Support from experts at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation if required

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

This opportunity is suited to early to mid-career freelance women journalists. Applicants should have a number of bylines under their belt and be confident of being able to get their project published. We define mid-career journalists as anyone who still believes they have room to grow in their career.

Women journalists in staff jobs can also apply but there must be no contractual barrier to you pitching your project to a wide range of publications (a supporting statement from your employer may be required).

Applicants must have experienced economic inequality at some stage in their lives. This includes, but is not limited to:

In childhood:

  • A family member in receipt of benefits

  • Family members employed in low-paid work

  • Family members who were unable to work due to disability or long-term illness (whether physical or mental ill-health)

  • Having experience of the care system

In adulthood:

  • Receiving Universal Credit or another equivalent means-tested benefit

  • Experiencing housing or food insecurity

  • Experiencing economic and/or social inequalities during their child’s early years and/or after returning to work from maternity or adoption leave

  • Experiencing financial hardship while suffering discrimination in whatever setting (whether work, education or provision of services), including due to race.

  • Experiencing financial hardship while in a caring role

  • Experiencing financial hardship while recovering from illness, chronic health condition, or being disabled.

If you’d like to apply but are unsure whether you’re eligible, please email wijscotland@gmail.com for advice

The bursary programme is not open to students.

WHAT CAN THE £1,500 BE SPENT ON?

The funding will most likely be used as a wage to live from while researching your project. However, it can also be spent on travelling expenses or accessing archive material, for example.

The bursary will be delivered in two instalments throughout 2024.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE?

The deadline is May 31.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should include three elements.

1. A one-page journalism CV (pdf)

2. A one-page pitch outlining and selling the project (pdf). This must include:

  • What the project is and what research you have done so far

  • How you will approach your project

  • How long your project will take to complete

  • What is your project’s hook/news line

  • What publications you’ll pitch to

  • Why the project is vital, and why now

  • Why you are eligible

3. If you are submitting a broadcast/radio/podcast proposal, please send a one minute video of yourself selling your project.

Terms and conditions

Entrants must be a member of Women in Journalism Scotland

Applications should be emailed to wijscotland@gmail.com. Please also include your name, address, email address and telephone number in the body of the email.

Recipients will sign a conditions of grant document.

Women in Journalism