Grants

CALL FOR ENTRIES: INVESTIGATIVE STORY GRANTS

The Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi (CIJM) is a newly established independent Centre of investigative journalists committed to promoting   effective, ethical and original reporting that moves beyond a simplistic focus on ‘corrupt’ individuals in favour of a more systematic and contextualised exposure of corruption, exploitation, and other social-justice issues.

CIJM will facilitate an exchange of ideas and resources, by channelling support and technical advice, by promoting dialogue between Investigative journalists within Malawi and abroad, facilitate access to information resources that can enhance the quality of Malawian investigative journalism, and promote the highest professional standards, free from ideological and partisan pressures.

With support from the Media and Access to Information Programme of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), CIJM is implementing a project on ‘Strengthening Investigative Journalism in Malawi’.

The overall goal of this project is to foster greater transparency and accountability in Malawi by improving media standards and the quality of investigative journalism.

What CIJM is looking for:  stories that break new ground and expose wrongdoing – such as corruption, malfeasance, or misuse of power – in the public and private sectors.

CIJM accepts applications for projects only on domestic issues.

It is CIJM policy to pay the first half of approved grants to successful applicants, with the second half of the grant paid on evidence of publication of a finished project in accordance with the original proposal. Second half grants are not guaranteed if projects are not completed in a timely fashion.

Grants will be a maximum of MK100,000 each and cover out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, document collection, and equipment rental. CIJM will also consider requests for small stipends.

Disclaimer of Liability: CIJM’s role in assisting journalists is limited to making grants. CIJM assumes no liability for the legal and/or safety risks undertaken by journalists in the course of their reporting.

Mentors: Mentors will be recruited for successful grantees, upon request. Mentors act as sounding boards, and work with grantees over the length of their projects. Mentoring grantees is an important part of the CIJM’s program to support independent journalists.

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

In 110 words or less, summarize your idea for the story and or project explaining the point of the investigation and/or what you are trying to prove:

Grant Amount Requested:

Anticipated completion date:

Will the news outlet acknowledge the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi?

Resume: Three pages maximum.

 Budget: Provide an itemized, detailed budget that estimates expenses, other revenue sources, how much is being requested from CIJM, and how the grant will be used.

 Writing Samples: No more than two. Writing samples may be in any medium (print, audio, video.)

 

Letter of commitment: This is a letter signed by a news editor committing to publish the story, as long as it is completed as promised and meets the news outlet’s journalistic standards. A letter of commitment is a non-negotiable requirement. An application submitted without this commitment is considered incomplete and will not be considered.

Completed Applications should be sent to: cijm.director@gmail.com or hand delivered to CIJM Offices, 1st Floor, Kentam Mall Building, Mzuzu or C/O P. O. Box 475, Mzuzu

Deadline: rolling