Bertha Foundation Challenge Fellowships 2026 for Activists & Investigative Journalists (non-residential paid fellowship)

June 20, 2025
Urgent

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Bursary Description


Application Deadline: Ongoing

Applications are now open for the 2026 Bertha Foundation Challenge Fellowships. For the 2026 Bertha Challenge call for applications – filmmakers and lawyers alongside investigative journalists and activists can apply with a body of work speaking clearly to our question for 2026:

How is the collusion between governments and corporations driving the assault on the rule of law, civil rights and a free press? How do we push back to protect democratic accountability?

Requirements

  • The ideal applicants are journalists, activists, filmmakers and lawyers engaged in the long game of holding the line to do fact-based investigations that strengthen the communities and groups fighting back
  • Bertha Fellows will spend their time working in their home countries and are required to:
  • Work full-time for one year to deliver their Bertha Challenge project.
  • Attend an in-person global convening that will take place towards the beginning of the Fellowship.
  • Develop and deliver a culminating body of work that responds to the Bertha Challenge question.
  • Participate in two virtual meetings per month, and occasionally facilitate these meetings.

Benefits


Fellowships offer:

  • Income for each Bertha Challenge Fellow for one year, not exceeding USD 64,900 and commensurate with the applicant’s current or equivalent salary at the host organization.
  • A Project Fund of up to USD 10,000 for each Bertha Challenge Fellow to produce a culminating body of work that responds to the Bertha Challenge question and is directed towards a specific audience.
  • Access to a Connect Fund of up to USD 5,000 specifically designed to encourage collaboration between Fellows.
  • Peer and mentor support in the form of regular virtual check-ins with Bertha staff and a community of Bertha Challenge Fellows and alumni.
  • Network development through the global cohort of Bertha Challenge Fellows.
  • A global convening of Bertha Challenge Fellows at the start of the Fellowship year.

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit:

  • A completed online application form.
  • A brief resume/ CV in English of no more than two pages.
  • A list of 2-4 referees including name, relationship to applicant and contact details.
  • A signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from the prospective host organization – including commensurate salary and health and pension benefits provided.
  • Examples of previous work.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Bertha Foundation Challenge Fellowships