Practical Tips for Winning Journalism Grants in Tough Times

With journalism funding on the decline and more competition for limited grants, over 100 African journalists came together on 26 March 2025 for a practical webinar on how to improve their chances of success. Hosted by the Fraymedia Foundation in partnership with the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), the session focused on real, useful strategies to help independent journalists stand out in a shrinking funding space.

Moderated by AIP’s Kate Skinner, the session featured input from both funders and journalists with deep experience in grant-making and grant-seeking.

Advice from the Experts

Nadine Hoffman from the International Women’s Media Foundation opened the discussion by highlighting the ripple effects of U.S. funding cuts on global journalism support. She encouraged journalists to stay focused and resilient, even as donor support becomes more uncertain.

“Be clear in your proposal, know who you’re writing for, and don’t give up after one try,” she advised. Hoffman stressed that persistence and clarity—especially around audience and impact—go a long way in grant applications.

Bongiwe Tutu of the Africa-China Reporting Project spoke about the importance of relevance. “Funders want to see that your idea aligns with their mission. You also need a strong methodology—explain how you’ll do what you’re promising to do,” she said. Tutu added that a well-defined story angle can make a big difference when funders are choosing between hundreds of applications.

Veteran journalist Anton Harber, who now works with the Henry Nxumalo Foundation, encouraged journalists to “think like a funder.” He advised participants to do proper research, be specific about their goals, and not to be afraid to ask questions when applying. “If your idea is solid but your proposal is unclear, you might still lose out,” he said.

Exploring Other Avenues

The session also looked at corporate partnerships as a possible route for funding. While some companies are open to supporting journalism, the speakers warned that journalists should protect their editorial independence and be clear on expectations from both sides.

Key Takeaways

• Be clear, specific, and well-researched when applying for grants.
• Match your proposal with the funder’s goals and show how your project will make an impact.
• Lean on your network—peer support can help refine ideas and strengthen applications.
• Stay consistent and resilient. One rejection doesn’t mean the idea is bad—just that it needs refining or a better match with a funder.

As journalism continues to face financial pressure, the webinar served as an important reminder that good storytelling, strong preparation, and collaboration are key to survival and growth in the sector.