Bertha Challenge Fellowships for Activists and Investigative Journalists 2024: (Deadline 12 July, 2024)

Bertha Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the sixth Bertha Challenge: an opportunity for activists and investigative journalists to spend a year working on one pressing social justice challenge and to deliver a body of work at the end of the Fellowship year.

The Bertha Challenge 2025

How is the interconnectedness between corporate interests and political power in farming contributing to the global climate crisis and what do people and communities do to expose and counter this?

The sixth Bertha Challenge will begin in January 2025 with a focus on farming and the climate crisis.

About Bertha Foundation

Bertha Foundation fights for a more just world. We support activists, storytellers, and lawyers who are working to bring about social and economic justice and human rights for all. Explore our Portfolios   Activists Bertha partners with activists and movements campaigning for transformative social change. Storytellers Nurturing global talent, exposing relevant stories and connecting them to audiences Lawyers Growing the practice of human rights and movement lawyering in pursuit of social justice Bertha Foundation Statement of Supp…

Bertha Challenge Fellowships

Aim and Benefits of Bertha Challenge Fellowships

• Income for each Bertha 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 for each Bertha Fellow to produce a culminating product that responds to the question posed by the Bertha Challenge
• Access to a Connect Fund of up to USD 5,000 specifically designed to encourage collaboration between Fellows
• Regular online discussions on a range of issues from current debates around the Bertha Challenge question to methods of investigation, methods of communicating findings, storytelling, popular education and more
• Peer and mentor support in the form of regular virtual check-ins with Bertha staff and a cohort of Bertha Fellows
• Network development through the global cohort of Bertha Fellows and exposure to relevant partners within and beyond the Bertha network
• A global convening of Bertha Fellows at the start of the Bertha Challenge.

Requirements for Bertha Challenge Fellowships Qualification

This is a full-time Fellowship. Bertha Fellows will spend their time working in their home countries and be required to:

• Attend an in-person global convening that will take place towards the beginning of the Fellowship
• Develop and deliver a culminating product that responds to the Bertha Challenge question
• Participate in two virtual meetings per month, and occasionally facilitate these meetings
• Develop local and global network relationships.

Activist Criteria

• At least five years’ experience working with activists, social movements, grassroots and community organizations, social justice organizations or campaigns
• Strong connections to a diverse range of relevant groups in the Fellow’s city, country or region, including with social movements, community organizations, NGOs, academics, journalists, progressive government officials etc.
• Experience developing organizing tools or popular educational products and materials, for example training courses, publications, pamphlets, films, podcasts, arts, theater productions, etc.
• Experience using research, media and the law in advocacy
• Affiliation to an appropriate host organization to amplify work produced during the Bertha Challenge.

Investigative Journalist Criteria

• Mid-career journalists with at least five years’ experience, a track record and passion for doing investigative journalism
• Strong interest and experience in producing work on the Bertha Challenge question and a proven ability to work with affected communities, social movements, community organizations, NGO’s, academics, scientists etc.
• Investigative journalism and research ability, a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape concerning the subject matter, an understanding of the law(s) and political structures determining policy direction and power
• An ability to work independently
• Affiliation to an appropriate host media organization that will publish and amplify work produced during the Bertha Challenge.

Application Deadline

July 12, 2024

How to Apply

All applicants must submit:

• A completed online application form
• A brief resume/CV in English of no more than three 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 any benefits provided.
• Examples of previous work.

For more details, visit OFFICIAL LINK