EJN Story Grants Support Reporting on Inclusive Water Governance

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering story grants to journalists in Mekong countries. These grants aim to support reporting on inclusive water governance in the Mekong Region. This initiative, backed by Oxfam, provides an opportunity for journalists to explore and highlight the voices of marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and Indigenous people, in water-related issues.

About the EJN Story Grants

EJN is providing up to 13 grants, with each award being up to $2,000 USD. This funding is specifically for journalists working in Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. The grants are designed to encourage in-depth reporting on transboundary water issues. Beyond financial support, selected journalists will receive mentorship from experienced reporters and EJN’s Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) specialist. This mentorship will guide them through the entire story production process.

Eligibility for Applicants

To be eligible for these grants, applicants must be from or cover the Mekong countries: Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and/or Vietnam. The grants are open to individual journalists and groups. If a group applies, one lead applicant must be designated to handle communication and receive funds. Applications must be submitted in English, and applicants should have a working understanding of the language or arrange for a translator.

The grants welcome applications from journalists working in any medium, including online, print, television, and radio. Both early-career and experienced reporters with a history of covering environmental topics are encouraged to apply. Freelance reporters and staff from various media organizations, including international, national, local, and community-based outlets, are also eligible. Applicants must be transparent about any use of generative AI tools in their application. Submitting content created entirely by AI could lead to disqualification.

Judging Criteria for Story Proposals

When developing their story applications, applicants should consider several key points. The relevance of the proposal to the call’s objectives is paramount. Applicants must clearly define why their story matters and to whom, outlining the main idea and its value to the target audience. A strong angle is also important; if a topic has been covered before, the proposal should offer new insights or a fresh perspective.

The reach of the proposed media outlet will be assessed. Journalists publishing in outlets with paywalls are encouraged to secure commitments for additional accessible publications or request exceptions to ensure their stories are widely available. The potential impact of the story is another crucial factor, looking for compelling narratives or investigative elements that can inform, engage, spark debate, and encourage action.

EJN also values innovative storytelling, considering the use of creative approaches, multimedia, and data visualization as a significant advantage. Finally, a clear plan for timely publication is required. Reporters, whether freelance or employed, must include a letter of support from an editor who commits to publishing the stories by December 31, 2026.