The National Press Foundation and the National Press Club Journalism Institute will jointly award up to $75,000 in grants to U.S.-based journalists who plan to cover environmental justice. Applications for the 2024 grants are open until April 24.
Grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 will be awarded to support journalism in any medium that centers on environmental justice and environmental racism in the United States. This could include coverage of the disproportionate harms to disadvantaged communities from pollution, the effects of climate change, or other relevant topics.
“We anticipate these thoughtful projects will lead to greater understanding of and accountability for environmental injustices taking place in communities across the country,” said Beth Francesco, executive director of the National Press Club Journalism Institute. “These journalists and their reporting will give voice to those most impacted by these historic inequities while lighting a way forward.”
The Kozik Grants are funded by a 1991 gift from the late Dr. Franklin Kozik in honor of his deceased son Robert. Two rounds of grants have been awarded, most recently announced January 5, 2023.
See more about the 2022 Kozik grant recipients’ projects and the 2021 Kozik grant recipients’ projects.
Kozik Grant Rules
- Journalists must submit a one to two-page proposal by April 24, 2024, explaining the project they wish to cover, a budget to explain the amount requested, and where the finished work would likely appear. We are looking to support people, their passion, and their purpose, so please reflect that in your proposal. The application is here.
- Submit three samples of your work that you’re most proud of having produced. The submitted work doesn’t have to cover environmental justice; in your application, help the judges connect the work you’ve done and the work you’re hoping to do with these funds.
- Newsroom journalists must submit a note of support from their supervisor. Freelance journalists should submit a note from an assignment editor expressing interest in their work.
- Judges will be professional journalists or former journalists knowledgeable about environmental justice.
- Depending on the number of grant applicants and the sums requested, organizers may opt to distribute the grants on a rolling basis until all of the funds are distributed.
- Half of each grant shall be paid when the grant is awarded. The final half will be paid when the finished work is complete.
- The grant is intended to cover reporting, writing and travel expenses for the project. For freelance journalists, a portion of the grant may also be used to support living expenses.
- If you are receiving support for this project from another grant or foundation, please include that information in your application.
- The grantees will receive mentorship support coordinated by NPCJI, to be determined once they are selected, and will also have the opportunity to support each other as a cohort.
- Work must be published or broadcast, or an extension requested, by April 24, 2024, in a U.S.-based media outlet.
- In the published or broadcast work, credit must be given to the “Kozik Grants funded by the National Press Foundation and the National Press Club Journalism Institute.” NPF and NPCJI shall have the right to display the published works on their respective websites. However, the creator and publisher of the work will retain the copyright.
About The National Press Foundation
The National Press Foundation is a nonprofit whose mission is to “make good journalists better.” We educate journalists on the complex issues of the day and train them to use the latest reporting tools and techniques. The foundation recognizes and encourages excellence in journalism through its awards and fellowships.
About the National Press Club Journalism Institute
The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire civic engagement. The Institute is the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club.