14 media opportunities with deadlines closing in February

As February approaches, media professionals, journalists, and content creators have a fresh set of opportunities to explore. This is why we have compiled a list of 14 media opportunities with deadlines closing in February 2025.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, an investigative journalist, or a digital media enthusiast, numerous grants, fellowships, contests, and residencies are available to help elevate your career. These opportunities not only offer financial support but also provide mentorship, global recognition, and networking prospects that can open new doors in the industry.  

From awards celebrating excellence in journalism to programs that support in-depth storytelling, February’s deadlines present a crucial moment for media practitioners to showcase their work and gain exposure. Many of these initiatives seek to highlight impactful narratives, support innovation in reporting, and encourage diverse voices in the media landscape. For those looking to fund a project, gain international experience, or sharpen their skills, now is the perfect time to prepare submissions.  

In this piece, we highlight 14 significant media opportunities with deadlines closing in February. Whether you’re seeking professional development, financial backing, or a platform to amplify your voice, the opportunities listed below could be the stepping stone to your next big career milestone. 

1. The Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1, 2025 — Applications are open for the Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship Programme. The conservation fellowship aims to build the capacity of young and aspiring environmental journalists to cover biodiversity hotspots. APPLY HERE
2. The Harbinger seeks applications for virtual solutions journalism training: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 3, 2025 — The Harbinger invites journalists to apply for this virtual solutions journalism training. APPLY HERE
3. Support programme for media and journalists in exile: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 4, 2025 — Applications are open for the second cohort of “Voices in Exile: Support Programme for Media and Journalists in Exile”. APPLY HERE
4. 2025 ICFJ Knight International Journalism Awards open for nominations: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 6, 2025 — The International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) seeks nominations for the 2025 ICFJ Knight International Journalism Awards. APPLY HERE\
5. One World Media awards for journalists, filmmakers: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 6, 2025 — Journalists and filmmakers can apply for the One World Media Awards 2025, which celebrates underreported stories from around the world. APPLY HERE
6. Media grants for coverage of 30×30 marine conservation targets: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 7, 2025 — Newsrooms and media organisations in coastal countries can apply for Earth Journalism Network (EJN)’s grants for the coverage of 30×30 marine conservation targets. APPLY HERE
7. MacDowell fellowships seek applications from artists worldwide: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 10, 2025 — Applications are open for the MacDowell fellowships. This is a residency programme for talented artists of all backgrounds and countries. APPLY HERE
8. Journalist fellowship programme at Reuters Institute: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 13, 2025 —  The Journalist Fellowship Programme at the Reuters Institute helps mid-career journalists to explore journalism in depth. APPLY HERE
9. World Press Institute (WPI) fellowship for international journalists: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2025 — International journalists can submit applications for the 2025 World Press Institute (WPI) fellowship programme. APPLY HERE
10. UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2025 — UNESCO is accepting nominations for the 2025 edition of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. APPLY HERE
11. Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 19, 2025 — The Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University seeks applications for the Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award. APPLY HERE
12. Global Shining Light Award open for submissions: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28, 2025 — The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) is accepting submissions for the Global Shining Light Award. APPLY HERE
13. Sigma Awards seek data projects from journalists: DEADLINE:  FEBRUARY 28, 2025 — Journalists can submit data projects published in 2024 for the Sigma Awards. The awards recognise the best data journalism around the world. APPLY HERE
14. Tarbell Fellowship for early-career journalists covering artificial intelligence: DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28, 2025 — Early-career journalists interested in covering artificial intelligence can apply for the one-year Tarbell Fellowship. APPLY HERE

 

MORE MEDIA AND JOURNALISM OPPORTUNITIES FROM I-79 MEDIA

Looking to spice up the new year with brand new goals and ambitions? You can select from the list of applications closing in 2024.

1. Call for applications: Anthony Lewis Prize for Exceptional Rule of Law Journalism: DEADLINE: MARCH 2, 2025 — Applications are currently open for the World Justice Project’s Anthony Lewis Prize for Exceptional Rule of Law Journalism. APPLY HERE
2. Grants programme seeks projects on connections between US and Nigeria: DEADLINE: MARCH 3, 2025 — Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can submit proposals for projects that strengthen the connections between the United States and Nigeria. APPLY HERE
3. Club of Rome communications fellowship seeks applications: DEADLINE: MARCH 7, 2025 — The Club of Rome is currently accepting applications for its remote, seven-month Communications Fellowship. APPLY HERE
4. Scholarships for international media studies master’s programme in Germany: DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2025 — Journalists can apply for the next class of the International Media Studies master’s degree programme in Bonn, Germany. APPLY HERE
5. Journalists can apply for Global Business Journalism programme: DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2025* — The Global Business Journalism (GBJ) programme at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China seeks applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. APPLY HERE

 

ROLLING STORY GRANTS & VACANCIES

Seeking funds for your next media projects? This Rolling Story Grants section is tailored for you.

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1. Vacancy for journalist and analyst at Prime Progress: Prime Progress wants a journalist and social analyst to join its team. The media platform is hiring a very experienced analyst and journalist with a broad network of contacts and sources. APPLY HERE
2. Multiple vacancies for editors at Premium Times: Premium Times is inviting experienced, competent, energetic and intrepid candidates to join its editorial team: APPLY HERE: (1) standard desk/copy-editors, (2) investigations editor and (3) editors of its South-West and Northern operations.
3. Editor needed at Media InnoTech in Abuja: Media InnoTech is hiring an editor for a fulltime, onsite role in Abuja. The ideal candidate will understand journalistic ethics, fact-checking principles and research methods. APPLY HERE
4. Grants available at Fund for Investigative Journalism: The Fund for Investigative Journalism offers grants and other support for the production of high-quality, unbiased, nonpartisan investigative stories that have an impact. APPLY HERE
5. Joan Shorenstein fellowship for journalists, policymakers, others: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Applications are open for the Joan Shorenstein Fellowship, aimed at advancing research in the field of media, politics and public policy. APPLY HERE
6. Grant writing course for journalists: Journalists who want to learn the ins and outs of applying for grants can enroll for this course: Grant Writing for Journalists. APPLY HERE
7. Pulitzer Centre seeks proposals on climate change and its effects on workers and work: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Centre has reporting grants for its initiative focused on climate change and its effects on workers and work. APPLY HERE
8. Pulitzer Centre seeks proposals for transparency and governance reporting grants: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Center invites applications from freelance and staff journalists worldwide for its Transparency & Governance Reporting Grants. APPLY HERE
9. Grants for underreported stories in Sub-Saharan Africa:  DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Center is offering grants for underreported stories in Sub-Saharan Africa. Proposals should focus on issues such as water and sanitation, land degradation and coastal erosion, education, maternal health, and climate resilience. APPLY HERE
10. Human rights defenders, journalists, others can apply for incident emergency fund: The Digital Defenders Partnership (DPP) is offering Incident Emergency Fund to human rights defenders, journalists, activists and organisations facing digital threats and attacks. APPLY HERE
11. Kekere Storytellers Fund seeks African storytellers: DEADLINE: ROLLING — African storytellers passionate about changing the prevailing stereotypical narratives about Africa can apply for Africa No Filter’s Kekere Storytellers Fund. APPLY HERE
12. Pulitzer Center has grants for data journalism projects: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting is offering grants for innovative data-driven journalism projects that spotlight underreported issues. APPLY HERE
13. MDIF Ventures wants to invest in growing media companies: The Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) Ventures wants to invest in young and growing media companies with a positive social impact and potential to scale. APPLY HERE
14. Women journalists can apply for IWMF Emergency Fund: Women journalists are invited to apply for the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) Emergency Fund. APPLY HERE

 

STORY PITCHES

Where to submit story pitches? No worries, we’ve got you! Check below for exciting offers.

1. Contributions needed on climate issues in Africa: Individuals and organisations passionate about shedding light on climate issues in relation to China’s development in Africa can apply for this project. APPLY HERE
2. Call for contributions: Chinese Energy Initiatives in Africa: The China-Global South Project (CGSP) seeks contributors to shed light on energy issues and projects related to Chinese energy initiatives in Africa. APPLY HERE
3. Submit pitches on clean energy supply chains: Climate Home News is currently accepting pitches for story ideas on clean energy supply chains. Journalists from all countries, with at least three years’ experience and fluent spoken and written English are welcome to apply. APPLY HERE
4. The Revelator seeks pitches on environmental issues: The Revelator is actively seeking both expert commentaries and freelance journalism related to environmental issues. APPLY HERE
5. IJNet seeks pitches on resources helpful to journalists: The International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) is accepting pitches related to journalism tools, apps or resources that can help journalists globally. Writers will be compensated US$200 per article. APPLY HERE
6. GIJN seeks contributors to write articles related to investigative journalism: The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) seeks contributors interested in writing articles related to investigative journalism. APPLY HERE
7. Mongabay Africa seeks pitches on climate change and land degradation: Mongabay Africa is offering paid reporting opportunities on stories focused on climate change and land degradation. APPLY HERE
8. Submit investigative stories to Kara House: Kara House, a new media organisation, is currently accepting investigative stories that resonate with the society. APPLY HERE
9. BBC Africa Eye seeks pitches for investigative story ideas: BBC Africa Eye is currently accepting pitches for investigative story ideas. BBC Africa Eye is an investigative documentary programme that makes films from across the continent. APPLY HERE
10. The SolutionsPaper seeks stories related to religious and ethnic extremism: The SolutionsPaper is looking for solutions-oriented pitches on stories related to religious and ethnic extremism. APPLY HERE
11. Submit climate solutions pitches: The BBC Future Planet is looking for pitches on climate solutions for its Climate Guardians project. APPLY HERE
12. Social Voices wants pitches on health technologies, health and development: Social Voices invites journalists to submit pitches on how initiatives are tackling a health or development challenge. APPLY HERE
13. Mongabay seeks stories about Africa: Mongabay invites proposals from journalists for conventional news stories, in-depth features, investigative reports, profiles, and case studies. APPLY HERE
14. Rest of World seeks story pitches from Africa: Rest of World covers local stories with global relevance that explore the impact of technology on people and institutions outside the Western bubble. APPLY HERE
15. Journalists can submit pitches on technology in Africa, others: Rest of World invites journalists to submit pitches about technology in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. APPLY HERE