Our Policy on Grants & Fellowships

Grants

Renaissance Journalism offers a limited number of grants in support of its initiatives designed to promote equity and social justice through improved journalism and storytelling. Renaissance Journalism accepts applications by invitation only, usually through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. We regret that we are unable to accept unsolicited applications.

Renaissance Journalism grants are processed by, and follow the procedures of, its fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives. Grants are primarily reserved for nonprofit entities. In certain limited circumstances and consistent with Community Initiatives’ procedures, a grant may be offered to a for-profit entity.

Upon invitation, the grant applicant will be asked to provide:

  1. A description of the applicant.
  2. A written description of the proposed project’s activities, timeline and impact. The summary should respond to the goals expressed in the RFP.
  3. A proposed budget, which should include all relevant direct and indirect (if applicable) costs, such as staff, travel, contracts, meetings, etc. Note: Renaissance Journalism will consider requests for indirect costs, such as administrative fees imposed by an applicant’s fiscal sponsor, up to a maximum of 10% of direct costs.
  4. A brief biographical statement for key project staff.
  5. The name, title and contact information for:
    1. The staff person who is authorized to sign grant documents.
    2. The staff person who is primarily in charge of the project.
    3. The board chair.
  6. A list of all board members.
  7. A copy of the applicant’s IRS 501(c)3 letter of determination.
  8. A signed Internal Revenue Service W9 form.
  9. Additional information may be requested depending on the size of award and grantee’s charitable status.

Application materials are reviewed by Renaissance Journalism staff and, in some circumstances, by outside reviewers. Grant agreements are subject to the approval of Community Initiatives.

Fellowships

Renaissance Journalism offers a limited number of fellowships in support of its initiatives designed to promote equity and social justice through improved journalism and storytelling. A fellow is an individual who is pursuing an independent study or research project, designed to support the development of the individual through such activities as education, research, reporting, and the writing or production of a culminating report.

Renaissance Journalism accepts fellowship applications by invitation only, usually through a request for proposal (RFP) process. We regret that we are unable to accept unsolicited fellowship applications.

Renaissance Journalism fellowship grants are processed by, and follow the procedures of, its fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives. A fellowship is not considered employment, and payments are not subject to tax withholding and or reported on year-end tax forms. The Fellow is advised to consult with a tax accountant regarding their tax liability and estimated tax payments.

Application procedures and requirements will be detailed in Renaissance Journalism’s Request for Proposals.