All Hear April 2025

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Hello! Welcome (back) to All Hear, the Everything List for Audio Opportunities.

I would like to firstly introduce a new addition to the All Hear team, Transom intern Eliza Dunn! Eliza is a senior at Dartmouth College studying English & Creative Writing. She's originally from the south shore of Massachusetts, and she loves radio, cold water swimming, and her dog, Little Dog. Eliza was also recently named as a finalist for NPR's fourth annual College Podcast Challenge! She’ll be helping me with the research, alongside Transom’s managing editor Jennifer Jerrett and senior editor Sydney Lewis.

There are some great opportunities this month. It’s the last chance to apply to Third Coast; The MØRNING People Fund is back with its £4000 grant for international artists, and there’s the Tekhnē Online Residency for two sound artists to create work that focuses on technology’s emancipatory potential. Also, for any U.K. audio producers, make sure to fill out the UKAN State of the Industry Pay Survey! The data helps us all determine a fair rate.

All Hear is free and always will be. If you want to show your support you can buy me a coffee or donate to Transom, which helps keep this resource-intensive work sustainable.

Talia x

In this month’s Spotlight, I spoke to All Things Considered producer Noah Caldwell about the show’s new segment for international experimental short audio pieces. Have a read to get a sense of why the segment exists and what they’re looking for.

More Opportunities

International

Third Coast - an awards and festival celebrating the best of audio storytelling. They have nine categories, including Best New Artist, Best Documentary: Non-English Language, and Audio Unbound (for innovation within the medium). Each category has several finalists, and there are cash prizes for the main winners (unspecified), which vary depending on the category. Entry prices vary from $40 to $375 depending on deadline, length of the piece, and independent/institutional production.

The extended late deadline is 17th April.

Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America (CSREA) Practitioner Fellowship - a semester-long fellowship for artists, media makers, and writers whose work focuses on race, ethnicity, and/or indigeneity in the United States and the Americas, or work that connects the U.S. to related transnational contexts. During the fellowship, participants are expected to develop and present work that aligns with CSREA’s mission. This can take the form of research projects, creative media, public scholarship, or interdisciplinary collaborations. They provide fellows with a $10,000 stipend, access to Brown University resources, virtual engagement with the CSREA community, and opportunities to share their work. There will also possibly be an in-person capstone event at Brown University. Fellows are responsible for their own expenses (including health benefits) outside of the provided stipend.

The deadline is 17th April.

Grand Prix Nova - an international radio drama festival held in Bucharest, Romania. Works in any language are permitted, so long as there is an English translation. There are two categories, Audio drama (€4000 prize) and Short forms (€2000). It is free to enter, but NOTE: you (or someone from your team) must be present in Romania to represent your submission and participate in a selection jury. This year the festival takes place 15th - 20th June.

The deadline is 18th April.

Tekhnē Online Residency - a 2-month online residency program and €750 award for two sound artists, one from within the EU and one from outside the EU, to produce an online or hybrid work focused on technology’s emancipatory potential. The work could be a podcast, online radio piece, website or something similar. Submissions will be accepted from solo or duo applicants.

The deadline is 20th April.

Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship - a 7-month fellowship for international women, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming journalists focused on human rights and social justice issues. Fellows spend a semester at the Center for International Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The Boston Globe, attending classes, seminars and events whilst pursuing independent research and gaining newsroom experience. Then fellows spend two months in New York City interning for The New York Times. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in journalism — this can be print, broadcast or digital, either as a staff journalist or freelancer. Non-native English speakers must have excellent written and verbal English skills. Accommodation, airfare, travel and any necessary visas are covered, and there is a fixed monthly stipend (unspecified) to cover extra living costs.

The deadline is 20th April, 11:59 pm ET.

The NYU Stern Climate Economics Journalism Fellowship - a 2-day series of academic and social events at NYU Stern’s Greenwich Village campus for a group of journalists to learn from globally recognised experts in the emerging field of climate economics. Participants will discuss the fundamental factors and latest trends in climate economics and finance. All journalists who are interested in covering the interface between climate and the economy are welcome to apply, whether reporters and editors, staff or freelancers. International applicants are welcome to apply, though aspects of the course have a focus on U.S. policies and institutions. Fellows admitted to the programme who reside outside the New York Metro Area will receive a $2000 stipend to cover travel and accommodation costs; those residing inside the New York Metro Area will receive a $1000 stipend. The Fellowship takes place 18th - 19th September.

The deadline is 20th April.

Quill Podcast Awards - a free-to-enter international award for podcasters and podcast companies, which operates through a blend of public nominations and judging. There are 14 categories, spanning general, branded and company awards. Applicants can nominate their own podcast or others, but there is only one nomination per person. Finalists are announced, and from these winners will be selected by judges. They do not specify whether non-English language podcasts are eligible, but they say they are “open to everyone.”

The deadline is 21st April.

SPJ Ethics in Journalism Awards - an international award honouring journalists or news organisations that perform in an outstanding ethical manner demonstrating the ideals of the SPJ Code of Ethics. They also honour especially notable efforts to educate the public on principles embodied in the code or hold journalists ethically accountable for their behaviour. Previous winners have included radio producers. For works produced in non-English languages, entrants must provide an English translation. Applicants can nominate themselves or others.

The deadline is 21st April.

The Listening Pitch - two grants of up to £10,000 for new documentary films that use sound as a central part of the storytelling. Even though this is for documentary film, I wanted to include it in the newsletter because of how much sound is a focus — maybe it could encourage some sound people to go outside of their comfort zone, or collaborate with a filmmaker. Films can be up to 30 minutes. NOTE: they don’t mention whether the work has to be in English.

The deadline is 21st April.

National Geographic Society Grants Program - a diverse community of international changemakers working to support National Geographic’s mission to illuminate and protect the wonders of our world. They fund individuals working on projects in science, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology that align with one or more of their focus areas of: Ocean, Land, Wildlife, Human Histories and Cultures, Planetary Health and Space. Level I Grants are $20,000 and designed for individuals who might be: earlier in their career; looking to better establish themselves in their field; seeking mentorship; wanting to grow their network; or enhance their impact by joining a global community of National Geographic Explorers. Level II Grants are designed for those who might be: more established in their fields; have previously received a National Geographic Society grant; or are seeking a higher level of funding. Level II Grants typically receive funding of $50,000 - $60,000, but awards of up to $100,000 are possible in exceptional and well-justified cases. Applicants must be over the age of 18. Previous Explorers have been audio, radio and podcast makers.

The next deadline is 22nd April.

The Austin Film Festival Fiction Podcast Award - an international competition for independent fiction podcast scripts. Scripts that have been produced are only eligible if: more than one season has not been released to the public; and the show is produced independently and is not controlled by, under exclusive licence to, or financed by any major podcast production company or network. Writers can submit up to three episodes, totalling no more than 90 pages in length. Scripts must be in English. Applications cost $45 for the late deadline and $50 for the final deadline. The winner receives $1000 and reimbursement of up to $500 for travel and accommodation to attend the festival in October.

The next deadline is 22nd April, the final deadline is 8th July.

The John O. Calmore Creative Activism Artist Residency - a 3-month residency for international citizen-artists aged 21+ who are dedicated to addressing social justice issues through their creative practice. They offer a furnished apartment along with a $6000 living, materials, and travel stipend (NOTE: due to the limitations of visas, the stipend is only for U.S. based artists. International artists may not qualify for a stipend but may be eligible to receive reimbursement of qualified expenses, such as airfare, ground transportation, supplies, and meals). Artists may work in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, or interdisciplinary practices. The residency will culminate in an exhibition based in Toronto, Canada. The residency dates are 7th January - 14th April 2026. Partners and children can stay in the provided apartment. The application costs $35.

The deadline is 21st April.

Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists - an opportunity for journalists, aged 25 to 35 primarily hailing from developing nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania to report on the opening months of the United Nations General Assembly each September through November. Applicants must have a current passport and be employed by a bona fide media organisation. Journalists selected for the programme will deepen their understanding of the work of the U.N. through firsthand observation of working sessions, press conferences, and interviews, thus enabling in-depth reporting on issues relevant to their audiences. They will interact with media colleagues from around the world and learn about the challenges which journalism faces in other countries. Applicants can be from print, television, radio, and internet platforms. Speaking English with proficiency is required. Applications from Ghana, Namibia, and Kashmir will not be considered in 2025.

The deadline is 26th April.

MA/IN Festival Call for Works - a call out for international acousmatic and instrumental sound works involving live or prerecorded electronic/multimedia elements for the MA/IN festival. The call is also open to experimental audiovisual works, multimedia performances, and sound/multimedia installations. This year the festival has two active collaborations, one with the Centro di Ricerche in Rome and one with the TempoReale Festival in Florence, which will feature the selected pieces during their programmes. Entries cost €20.

The deadline is 27th April.

EJN Biodiversity Story Grants (Individuals) - grants for international journalists to produce in-depth stories that highlight previously untold threats to global biodiversity or explore new conservation-based solutions, offered by Earth Journalism Network (EJN). Stories must be focused on countries classified as low- or middle-income by the World Bank. They are looking for ambitious stories that make use of innovative multimedia, collaborative, cross-border or investigative approaches to deepen coverage of biodiversity or conservation topics. Applicants can be both early-career and senior journalists, whether freelance or staff, from all types of media organisations (international, national, local and community-based) and types (online, print, television, radio). EJN expects to award up to ten grants in the range of €1000 - €2000. Stories can be produced in any language, but non-English languages must provide an English translation, which can be included in the budget.

The deadline is 29th April, 11:59 pm Pacific/Niue.

International Journalism Programmes - 6- to 8-week exchange programmes which enable German and international journalists to travel to each other’s countries and report within host organisations. Each delegate will receive a stipend which is intended to cover most of their travel expenses, meals and accommodation, and varies depending on the programme. Age ranges may apply. All candidates must have a strong command of English. Radio journalists are welcome to apply, and applicants can be staff or freelance, unless otherwise specified.

International Journalism Programme (IJP) initiatives with upcoming deadlines are:

Eastern Europe - for journalists aged 20 to 35 from Eastern Europe or Germany, taking place between September and October. The delegates receive a €4000 stipend. For security reasons, the IJP cannot send German journalists to Russia, Ukraine, or Belarus, although it continues to invite fellows from those countries to Germany. The Eastern European countries that fellows can visit include Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova, and potentially Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan as well as Russian-speaking editorial offices in the Baltic states. Good knowledge of German or English is required for Eastern European applicants.

The deadline is 30th April.

Poland - for journalists from Poland and Germany to report on climate and energy issues, taking place between June and August. The delegates receive a €3800 stipend.

The deadline is 15th May.

Middle East - for journalists from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt and Germany, taking place between November and December. The delegates receive a €5000 stipend.

The deadline is 15th June.

Israel - for journalists from Israel and Germany, taking place between November and December. The delegates receive a €5000 stipend.

The deadline is 15th June.

United Kingdom - for journalists aged 18 to 40 from the United Kingdom and Germany, taking place between October and December. The delegates receive a €3800 stipend.

The deadline is 15th June.

ACC Creators Residency Open Call - a 4-month residency in Korea with The National Asian Culture Center (ACC) for international artists, experts, researchers, engineers, and other creators to engage in the exchange of innovative ideas and the development of new projects. This year’s theme is “The Intelligence Age”, and they are interested in ideas at the convergence of art, science, and technology. They have various subcategories, including Immersive Sound. They offer a budget of KRW 20,000,000 per project, an individual stipend of KRW 2,000,000, airfare costs, studio space and accommodation.

The deadline is 30th April, 11:59 pm KST.

Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award - a free-to-enter international award for experienced journalists who have compiled a substantial body of work in science journalism. They offer a grant of at least $20,000 and mentorship to enable the winner to undertake a significant reporting project. Applicants must have at least 8 to 10 years of professional experience. Staff and independent journalists are eligible to apply. Audio and multimedia journalism is accepted.

The deadline is 30th April, 11:59 PM.

Chinati Artist in Residence Program - a 2-month residency in Marfa, Texas, for artists of any discipline — visual, audio, sound, dance, performance, or video. Resident artists are provided with an apartment on the museum grounds, a studio in downtown Marfa, and access to Chinati’s collection and archive. A stipend of $4000 is provided for honorarium, travel and art materials. NOTE: I believe it is international.

The deadline is 30th April.

Prix Bohemia (International) - a free-to-enter Czech and international audio award. The International News Report category is open to radio reports of up to 10 minutes, by a Czech or foreign media on the territory of the invited foreign broadcasters (NOTE: I cannot see what foreign broadcasters are invited). The first three places will receive a Prix Bohemia Radio prize. They will also select a Student Prize.

The deadline is 30th April.

The Homiens Art Prize - a free-to-enter, non-acquisitive art prize open to all international artists and art forms. Each round, six winning artists and twelve finalists are exhibited by Homiens; receive an unrestricted cash award of $500; are published in their exhibition catalog and publication; receive an optional interview; and may request a letter of recommendation from Homiens’ jurors. Up to 200 artists are Highly Commended. Video- and sound-based works may be of a duration up to 30 minutes. There is a $30 fee to enter one work, with a $15 fee for each additional work.

The deadline is 30th April, 11:59 pm ET.

Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship - grants of up to $1000 for mid-career Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) members pursuing the strategies and skills needed to enter news management and advance within its ranks. The fellowship money can be used for registration fees, tuition and expenses such as transportation, meals and hotel stays. Entrants must: be a current, dues-paying AAJA member (membership costs $65); demonstrate leadership potential or currently hold a management position; have five years or more of professional experience; and have a serious interest in pursuing journalism as a career.

The next deadline is 30th April.

Berliner Hörspielfestival - an international radio drama festival in Berlin. They use the term “radio drama” loosely; they accept any genre, whether it’s narrative, documentary, language or sound experiments, etc. They have three competitions: Das Glühende Knopfmikro (“The Glowing Button Microphone”) for pieces up to 5 minutes long; Das Kurze Brennende Mikro (“The Short Burning Mic”), for pieces between 5 and 20 minutes; and Das Lange Brennende Mikro (“The Long Burning Mic”) for pieces between 20 and 60 minutes. Prizes include audio equipment. Works can be in any language as long as a German or English translation is provided. They also have Der MikroFlitzer (“The Speedster”); in late April they will release a specific sentence or sound and competitors have two weeks to create a radio drama of less than 60 seconds based on the prompt. Prizes include audio equipment.

The deadline for both competitions is 1st May, 11:59 pm CEST.

The MØRNING People Fund - a quarterly £4000 grant for international artists, creatives, dreamers and innovators, designed to fuel the boundary-pushing work that keeps culture alive. MØRNING is a creative strategy studio “on a mission to make the world a bit less shit than it was yesterday.” Applicants can be any age provided they are a legal adult in their country of residence. Grantees receive a support package which offers a 45 minute coaching session with a MØRNING team member. They do not help with production.

The next deadline is 1st May.

Pulitzer Center StoryReach U.S. Fellowships - a yearlong, part-time programme designed to support international journalists in producing impactful reporting with local or regional outlets in the U. S. Midwest. They provide up to $30,000 of funding as well as resources for reporting and outreach; training and support; and monthly virtual cohort gatherings. They welcome proposals on a broad range of local underreported issues, but this year they are placing special emphasis on the topics of: Health, Marine Fisheries, Human Rights and Climate and Jobs. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience with ambitious investigative or in-depth enterprise reporting projects. It is open to freelance and staff journalists. Applicants can be from a wide range of platforms, including digital, print, radio, video, and multimedia.

The deadline is 1st May, 11:59 pm ET​.

The JAR Audio Pilot Competition for Emerging Women Podcasters - a competition for international emerging women podcasters (working in English). JAR will provide successful applicants with production support for a pilot episode for a selected winner. The creator retains 100% IP and can use this pilot to pitch to networks, etc. The genre is completely open. Jar will provide one creative strategy session, one marketing session, script vetting and recording, editing and mixing services. NOTE: JAR “recognises an inclusive definition of womanhood.” You can read my Spotlight on JAR’s competition here.

The deadline is 1st May.

Sound Art Lab Residency (Funded) - a 1-month residency for artists working within sound-related practices and with connections to the Danish sound art scene. Artists are not expected to provide a finished product at the end of the residency, but they do expect residents to give a presentation of their artistic practice and work at Sound Art Lab. They offer a grant of DKK 30,000, as well as access to studio space, equipment, and free accommodation. They also have a rolling unfunded residency.

The deadline is 1st May.

The Headlands Center for the Arts Bay Area Artist Residency - a 4- to -10-week Artist-in-Residence programme for approximately 50 international artists at any stage of their career. Residencies include studio space, chef-prepared meals, housing, travel and living expenses. Applicants must be able to speak basic English. The application fee is $35 for the early bird deadline and $45 for the regular deadline.

The early bird deadline is 5th May. The regular deadline is 2nd June.

FIJ Funds - The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) offers grants of up to $10,000 three/four times a year for investigative journalism. All journalists can apply, but most are freelancers. International reporters are accepted but there must be a “strong U.S. angle involving American citizens, government, or business” and all stories must be published in English in a U.S.based media outlet. In rare cases, they provide expedited review for proposals that you can prove are extremely urgent. Pitches for radio stories and podcasts are welcome.

The next deadline is 5th May.

FIJ Seed Grants - The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) offers seed grants of up to $2500 to cover the expenses of preliminary investigative reporting such as open-records requests and initial reporting trips. The grants are primarily for freelance journalists and those who are not in full-time staff roles at a media outlet. Journalists must be U.S. based or working on a story with a very strong U.S. angle. Journalists who receive seed funding can apply for full grants (up to $10,000) once they conduct the preliminary reporting and secure a commitment from a media outlet to publish or broadcast the story. Pitches for radio stories and podcasts are welcome.

The deadline is 9th May.

Signal Awards - podcasting awards. Entries cost between $215 and $265 depending on deadline and branded/non-branded. Non-English work is accepted but NOTE: all foreign language submissions must be accompanied by an English translation, otherwise judges will translate them using Google Translate.

The early deadline is 9th May.

The Lovies - the European sister to the international Webby Awards, recognising online excellence. Entrants can be based anywhere but the content must have been produced for European audiences. They have a podcast section with 26 categories under General Series, Individual Episode and Features. Their four new podcast categories are Best Guest, Best Original Score/Music or Sound Design, Best Writing, and Experimental or Innovation. They accept submissions in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, and Swedish. It costs €385 per entry.

The early deadline is 9th May, the final deadline is 27th June, the extended entry deadline is 8th August, and the grace entry deadline is 12th September.

Online Journalism Awards - a celebration of international journalism, held by the Online News Association (ONA). The awards are open to newsrooms of all types — websites, micro sites, blogs, podcasts and all digital platforms. They also have The Student Journalism Award, for enrolled high school or undergraduate students (full- or part-time) who received academic credit for the submitted work; work produced for pay is ineligible. Entries may be submitted in any language, but English submissions are strongly recommended, and any non-English language entries must provide English translations. There have many awards, and four come with a cash prize: the Gather Award in Community-Centered Journalism, the General Excellence in Online Journalism, the Knight Award for Public Service, and the University of Florida Award for Investigative Data Journalism. Entries cost $200 per entry for non ONA Members, $125 per entry for ONA Members, $50 per entry for micro-newsrooms (with 15 or less employees), and between $15 and $30 for Students.

The deadline is 15th May, 11:59 pm ET.

VCCA Wachtmeister Award - a free-to-enter biannual award for a prominent writer, visual artist, composer or sound artist whose significant achievement in the arts is widely recognised. The next Wachtmeister Award is specifically open to established composers and/or sound artists using acoustic sources who have not previously been in residence at the Virginia Center for Creative Arts (VCCA). Eligible applicants will have worked professionally as a composer for at least the past 15 years with substantial national or international achievement in their field, including publications, grants, awards, and other signs of achievement. The award winner will receive a fully-funded VCCA residency of up to 30 days, to be scheduled between 1st May 2025 and 31st August 2026; a $1000 honorarium; and a travel stipend of $750. The VCCA residency at Mt. San Angelo includes an individual studio, a private bedroom with a private en-suite bath, and three prepared meals each day in a community of more than 20 writers, visual artists, and composers in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. I believe it is international.

The deadline is 15th May.

International Journalists’ Programmes ComLab - a 3-day conference/bootcamp in Berlin for international journalists interested in building science communication skills and developing media projects in tandem with scientists. The conference, which will be held in English, runs from 4th - 6th September and includes keynotes, networking rounds, group work, training sessions and a final pitching slam where winning pitches will be awarded up to €2000 to create their product. They also cover room and board and provide a travel allowance of up to €150 for participants not currently living in Berlin.

The deadline is 16th May

Karl Sczuka Prize for Works of Radio Art - an international €12,500 award and €2500 support grant for proposed radio art projects using musical material and structures in an acoustic performance which can be carried out in a two-week production at the Südwestrundfunk radio play studio in Germany. The prize is open to authors, composers, directors, and production teams. There is also The Karl Sczuka Research Grant in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut which offers €5000 to support the research phase for international radio art projects. It offers the possibility of a research stay in a non-German-speaking country. The Research Grant, awarded annually, is aimed at artists who work in the field of acoustic and time-based art (audio, performance, and sound) that deal with narrative, technical and artistic possibilities of the radio medium and are active in Germany.

The deadline is 23rd May.

URTI International Radio Grand Prix - a free-to-enter competition which rewards international radio programmes for their efforts of research and originality. Each year has a different theme — this year’s is “Radio and climate change.” All radio forms are eligible, including reports, documentaries, essays, fiction, sound compositions, and children’s stories. The main prize is $500. Entrants must be a broadcast, radio, or audiovisual production organisation. The maximum accepted length is 52 minutes. Entries can be in any language but a French or English translation should be provided for non-English and non-French programmes.

The deadline is 30th May.

Biophilia Award - a recognition of the efforts of international professionals and organisations that have contributed exceptionally to improving public awareness and understanding of environmental issues. They offer one award of €100,000. Applicants must be engaging professionally in any facet of environmental thought, communication or culture. The application must be submitted in English but previous work samples can be provided in other languages, so long as they are accompanied by a short summary in English.

The deadline is 30th May, 12 pm CEST.

Oak Spring Interdisciplinary Residencies - 2- or 5-week opportunities for international artists, emphasising support for diverse forms of artistic expression. The 2-week residencies are designed for parents, caregivers, or others for whom a 5-week Residency is not possible, but those who are able to apply to the 5-week residency are encouraged to do so. Residents stay in shared accommodations with private bedrooms and bathrooms, sharing living and kitchen spaces. The programme provides about three meals per week to foster community building. Residents can opt to participate in a Residency Showcase during the final week. Those selected for the 5-week session receive a $2000 individual grant, while those in the 2-week session receive $800. Residency periods are available from March to August.

The deadline is 31st May.

NAISA Call for Submissions - New Adventures in Sound Art (NAISA) is looking for international submissions of art in the realms of sound, electroacoustic, videomusic, radio/transmission or interactive installation for this year’s programming. The theme is “There is Art in Our Nature.” NAISA encourages artists to submit works for interactive sound installations and sound sculptures for indoor and outdoor contexts. All works chosen for presentation will receive an “artist fee” (unspecified). All eligible entries will be considered for two awards: The James Bailey Award – a $300 award for inventive and adventurous works by Canadian artists that push the boundaries of radio and transmission art — and The Andra McCartney Mentorship Award — a $300 award and mentorship residency for Northern Ontario based artists who are new to the field of sound art. Entries cost $5.

The deadline is 31st May.

IAPA Excellence in Journalism Contest - a competition for media professionals from North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain. Submitted work can be published or broadcast in a daily newspaper, weekly, magazine, news agency, online publication or radio and television stations. In the case of radio submissions, only works 10 - 15 minutes in length will be accepted. The majority of the first prizes in each category will be awarded $2000. The award ceremony will be held in October during the 81st IAPA General Assembly in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The deadline is 31st May.

PLAYA Residency - an international residency opportunity in the Oregon Outback for scientists, naturalists, biologists, musicians, designers, sustainability leaders, social practice artists, musicians, visual artists, writers, performing artists, and individuals engaged in interdisciplinary work. The residency is located in a remote, rural area of Oregon with wide open vistas and opportunities for field explorations in rich natural settings. PLAYA’s 76-acre campus sits alongside an intermittent desert lake which is 10 miles wide and 20 miles long. Applicants may choose a 5-, 11-,17-, or 25- night session. Residents stay in individual cabins, free of charge, but are responsible for their own travel costs and food while they are in residence. Applications cost $30.

The deadline is 31st May, 11:59 pm PST.

The Dig Awards - international awards for investigative journalism in video or audio formats. The Audio & Podcast category includes podcasts, audio dramas and radio shows that tackle and cover relevant international stories using an investigative angle, original reporting techniques and a distinctive approach. The category is open to works in Italian, English, Spanish and French, but French and Spanish entries require an English translation. The festival will take place 14th - 28th September in Modena, Italy. Entries cost €50.

The deadline is 1st June.

Oral History Project Grant - grants of up to $5000 awarded twice annually for serious research that uses oral history as a principal source. Applicants could be graduate students conducting research for their thesis or dissertation, or more advanced scholars for books or other scholarly projects. The interviews generated by these projects will become part of the collection of the Hagley Library, which guarantees the permanent preservation of and access to oral histories associated with any funded project. It is open to international applicants, but NOTE: they are specifically looking for stories on interconnected histories of American business, technology, and society. They especially seek oral histories representing the roles of women, African Americans and other ethnic minorities. Interviews must be conducted in English. Also, they have a deadline of 1st December every year, I’m not 100% sure if they have opened yet.

The next deadline is 1st June.

BBC World Service International Audio Drama Competition - an award for writers aged 18 and over from outside the UK to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience. Writers can enter in one of two categories: English as a First Language and English as a Second Language. Winners will receive a £2500 cash prize, be invited to attend an award ceremony in the U.K. in 2026 (including airfare and accommodation), and to participate in the recording of their dramas for a world premiere on BBC World Service platforms. A Special Commendation will be made for the runner-up. Scripts must be written substantially or entirely in English.

The deadline is 4th June, 11 am GMT.

The City University of London Richard Beeston Bursary - £6000 in funding for international students enrolled in the M.A. International Journalism programme at City, University of London for the academic year 2025/26. This is not exclusively an audio journalism Master’s, students will develop skills in text, broadcast and online journalism. Applicants can take an elective Film, TV, Video and Radio Specialism as part of the course.

The deadline for submission is 9th June, 5 pm BST.

London International Awards (LIA) - international awards for work released, published, or broadcast in a commercial environment. There is an Audio & Radio category, which encompasses “any piece of audio-centric content that drives brand awareness and recall without relying on visuals.” They have over 40 awards within Radio/Audio alone. Entries cost $393.75 before the early bird deadline and $525 after that.

The early bird deadline is 10th June, the final deadline is 31st August.

Sonic Dash (Summer) - a 48-hour international competition to create a 2-minute audio piece entirely from scratch. The contest starts on 20th June and ends at noon on 22nd June. The top three winners receive a Reaper Pro License and a feature on Silver Podcast Network, and the first place finalist gets $1000 on top of that, as well as $350 of audio services from Silver Sound, a Dell Pro Max Laptop, software from iZotope and Native Instruments, and Focusrite hardware. Every element of the piece must be made within those 48 hours, which means that the use of archival material and pre-existing music is not allowed. Entries cost $25.

The registration deadline is 13th June.

Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism - awards which honour the work of freelance journalists, local reporters and news fixers in developing countries or nations in transition. There are three categories: Freelancer, Local Reporter and News Fixer. Each winner receives a cash prize of $5000.

The deadline is 15th June, midnight GMT.

Future of Media Awards - international awards for excellence in digital news media, with a focus on the U.S. and U.K. They have a Podcast category. It’s open to publishers anywhere in the world. The entry fee for national organizations is €100 (plus tax), and for local organizations it is €55 (plus tax). Non-English entries must include an English translation.

The deadline is 19th June.

Prix Italia - a competition for broadcaster organizations in TV, radio and digital media. They have categories specifically for radio drama and radio documentary and reportage. It’s free to enter but “only broadcasting organisations duly authorised by competent authorities” may participate in the Competition.

The deadline is 19th June, 1 pm UTC.

United States

International Women's Media Foundation US Journalism Emergency Fund (LA Fire-related) - one-time grants of up to $1500 to professional, U.S.-based journalists covering and/or affected by the January 2025 wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Grants are available to working journalists, staff or freelance, of any gender, to cover costs associated with emergency housing assistance and basic living necessities; immediate needs related to your professional work, such as destroyed equipment or protective gear; medical or psychological care (trauma support, therapy sessions, etc.) for incidents directly related to the wildfires.

The deadline is unspecified.

International Women's Media Foundation US Journalism Emergency Fund - one-time grants for professional, U.S. based journalists of any gender targeted as a result of your reporting at events related to the highly charged political unrest and polarisation in the U.S., including elections, civil movements and other challenging environments. Applicants may request support for immediate needs related to their professional work, such as destroyed or stolen equipment and protective gear; or a small grant for medical and psychological care for incidents directly related to threats and crises caused by one’s work as a journalist.

The deadline is unspecified.

Levels Up Academy - a free 2-week, in-person audio storytelling programme at the VPM + ICA Community Media Center in Richmond, Virginia for local applicants aged 17 to 22. It’s open to anyone regardless of educational status. The programme takes place from 30th June - 11th July. They will cover: studio recording and proper mic technique; field recording using portable recorders; interview skills, including vox pops (“man-on-the-street” interviews); audio editing with the latest software; audio story structure; and the range of jobs and resources in the audio industry. They provide successful applicants with a $700 stipend upon completion of the programme.

The deadline is unspecified.

Mass Cultural Council Operating Grants for Organizations - multi-year, unrestricted operating grants for nonprofit organisations that enrich Massachusetts’s cultural life. They are looking for applications from organisations who: have a primary mission or purpose related to the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences; conduct over 50% of their programmatic (not administrative) work in Massachusetts; provide programming that is publicly available or intentionally serving a specific portion of the general public, rather than benefiting any private individual or group; are able to show minimum expenses of $50,000 for each of the past two, full 12-month fiscal years.

The deadline is 17th April, 11:59 pm ET.

The John Alexander Project Above the Fray Fellowship - a 6-month fellowship intended for early career U.S. based audio journalists looking to cover underreported international stories. Each applicant can pitch one story for consideration on NPR. Candidates must have at least five but no more than seven years of experience. The fellowship will cover all production and living expenses.

The deadline is 18th April, 11:59 pm ET.

John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism - an award for outstanding environmental reporting across platforms. The winner will receive $5000 and will be recognised at a ceremony at Columbia Journalism School. All formats including text, audio and video reporting are eligible. The entry fee for each submission is $75. A translation must be supplied for non-English entries.

The deadline is 22nd April.

Association of Healthcare Journalists Uncovering Pathways to Better Health Fellowship - a fellowship programme and $5000 stipend for working journalists who qualify for AHCJ professional membership and have at least five years of experience in health reporting. The fellowship will support journalists in identifying and reporting on research questions, overlooked opportunities and innovative models that could transform public health. The fellowship includes: registration to Health Journalism 2025 in Los Angeles, including travel and lodging; the opportunity to attend up to two health symposia between May and July; participation in two AHCJ workshops about medical research; the opportunity to participate in the planning/facilitation of the AHCJ Fall Summit based on learnings from the Fellowship; Professional development with a focus on identifying and reporting on research that supports health innovation for improving prevention and care delivery efforts.

The deadline is 24th April.

New Hampshire Artist Entrepreneurial Grants - funds for professional New Hampshire-based artists to develop their business skills, participate in programmes to better their art and increase the exposure of their work. Artists can request funding of $250 - $2500. It is not for the creation of new work or equipment purchases or other ineligible expenses listed here. Applicants must be 18+ and devote the majority of their time to practising, performing and/or teaching an arts discipline.

The next deadline is 25th April.

SPJ Foundation Freelance Fund - mini-grants supporting SPJ members seeking to engage in professional activities that advance their careers as independent journalists with grants up to $500 for skills training and workshop registration or tuition fees; travel assistance to attend training, workshops and conferences; and entry fees for contests and prize competitions to showcase work produced on a freelance basis. Financial need will be considered, but financial hardship is not necessary to receive a grant. Preference will be given to applicants who are active members of the SPJ Freelance Community.

The deadline is 30th April.

Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship - grants of up to $1000 for mid-career Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) members pursuing the strategies and skills needed to enter news management and advance within its ranks. The fellowship money can be used for registration fees, tuition and expenses such as transportation, meals and hotel stays. Entrants must: be a current, dues-paying AAJA member (membership costs $65); demonstrate leadership potential or currently hold a management position; have five years or more of professional experience; and have a serious interest in pursuing journalism as a career.

The next deadline is 30th April.

The Curve Fellowship for Emerging Journalists - a $5000 cash award from The Curve Foundation for emerging Queer trans, women or nonbinary U.S. based journalists whose work fosters fair and accurate coverage and elevates the voices of LGBTQ+ women, trans and nonbinary people. Winners also receive a one-year complimentary membership to The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists (NLGJA), complimentary registration for the NLGJA Convention, a stipend provided to cover the costs of attending the convention, including travel and lodging, and professional mentorship. Work samples can include written or broadcast pieces. Applicants may nominate themselves or be nominated by others.

The deadline is 30th April.

City Limits and CUNY CLARIFY (Summer) - a 6-week paid journalism training programme for New York City high school students, held by CUNY Journalism Council and Press Pass NYC. The workshops will be held from 1st July - 7th August, Mondays to Thursdays, from 10 am to 4 pm. Participants will work with instructors to report on a public service story, with the chance to see their work published in City Limits. Applicants can be high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors.

The deadline is 30th April.

Ohio Arts Council Artist Opportunities - a grant for emerging and professional artists in Ohio. Grants are awarded to individual artists at both the emerging artist level ($500) and professional artist level (up to $2500) with no cash match required. Applicants must: have maintained legal residency for at least one year; and exhibited, performed, or published work as an artist within the past three years; and be over the age of 18. This grant is open to artists of all disciplines, at any stage of their career, and includes all types of artistic practice.

The next deadline is 1st May.

Edward Aschoff Rising Star Nominations - a recognition of promising journalists under the age of 34 who demonstrate talent, work ethic, and passion for sports journalism, particularly in college football coverage. The award is held by The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). NOTE: I assume it is for U.S. applicants.

The deadline is 1st May.

Charles M. Rappleye Investigative Journalism Award - grants of up to $5000 awarded yearly to a working journalist or team of journalists in need of resources, either financial or in-kind. Applicants should have already completed significant work on their project and must be able to identify specific investigation or research steps that they are requesting support to carry out. Eligibility is open to all journalists, with preference given to journalists working in and/or writing about Southern California and the wider southwest. Any subject matter will be considered, and the fund encourages works about law enforcement, immigration and the border, local government and public corruption, the media, civil rights and labour rights, organised crime, U.S. policy and involvement in Latin America, and the history of Alta California. All formats and mediums will be considered, though NOTE: preference will be given to long-form print journalism.

The deadline is 1st May, 11:59 pm PT.

The NPR Student Podcast Challenge - a free-to-enter contest held by NPR for students in grades 4 - 12 at U.S. schools. They’re looking for a compelling story between three and eight minutes long. They will choose winners in three categories: grade four, grades five through eight, and grades nine through 12. Entries must be made by teachers or family members who are 18 or older, and they have strict rules on music usage — submissions must not include any music created by anyone other than entrant and/or entrant's students. Entries will be judged by information and structure (40%), personality and creativity (40%) and production (20%). NPR reporters will come to the winners' school and interview them for a news segment that will appear on All Things Considered or Morning Edition. You can read my Spotlight on the college edition of the competition here.

The deadline is 2nd May, 11:59 pm ET.

Women’s Audio Mission Internship Program (San Francisco) - a 13-week paid internship allowing women (transgender or cisgender) and non-binary/gender-expansive individuals in California’s Bay Area to learn audio engineering skills. Applicants will gain skills, build confidence and develop industry connections to prepare for a job in the audio industry; as well as receive hands-on studio training and learn how to share audio skills and knowledge to further support the organisation’s mission. The programme includes a commitment of a total of 16 hours per week, with both in-person and virtual components. The programme is recommended for those 21 years and older. Applicants receive a $2500 stipend once they have completed the programme.

The next deadline is 5th May.

FIJ Seed Grants - The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) offers seed grants of up to $2500 to cover the expenses of preliminary investigative reporting such as open-records requests and initial reporting trips. The grants are primarily for freelance journalists and those who are not in full-time staff roles at a media outlet. Journalists must be U.S. based or working on a story with a very strong U.S. angle. Journalists who receive seed funding can apply for full grants (up to $10,000) once they conduct the preliminary reporting and secure a commitment from a media outlet to publish or broadcast the story. Pitches for radio stories and podcasts are welcome.

The next deadline for regular grants is 5th May, the next deadline for seed grants is 9th May.

Holly Whisenhunt Stephen Fellowship - assistance for U.S. based TV and/or radio journalists to attend an in-person Data Journalism Bootcamp taking place in Columbia, Missouri, from 13th - 17th of January. Students are not eligible. They offer: a one-year IRE membership/renewal (valued at $75 value), complimentary boot camp registration and a travel stipend of $750.

The next deadline is 6th May.

The Leeway Transformation Award - a $15,000 grant for women and minority gender artists and cultural producers living in Greater Philadelphia who create art for social change, and have done so for the past five years. The award is unrestricted and open to artists and cultural producers working in any medium, including traditional and nontraditional as well as multimedia and experimental forms. Artists and organisations must live/be located in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County for the past two years or more.

The deadline is 15th May.

Nova Institute Media Fellowship - a fellowship for U.S. based journalists which aims to increase accurate, science-based reporting on health within the media. Nova will support four projects exploring health, well-being, and our ability to flourish and live a fulfilling life. The opportunity is open to print, broadcast, and digital journalists. Successful applicants receive $60,000 and mentorship over 12 months for a proposed project, with an additional $7500 for expenses such as travel and conference fees, and Nova will cover any additional costs associated with attending Nova meetings, workshops, or events. Funding is intended to support a fellow’s living expenses, project-related expenses, travel, conference fees, health insurance, etc. Fellows are expected to work 35 hours per week, and the project should be their only full-time work during the fellowship term. Projects begin in fall 2025, ideally by 2nd September.

The deadline is 19th May, 11:59 pm ET.

Maine Humanities Arts & Humanities Grants - up to $1000 of funding for organisations in Maine that present stories and cultural expressions of the state, its communities, and its people. Projects must include both arts and humanities components. Applicant organisations should be serving and/or led by members of communities traditionally under-resourced in the arts and humanities. Humanities programmes and projects can take many forms, such as exhibitions, conferences, film/video productions, podcasts/radio shows, discussions, performances framed by interpretation. If organisations do not have 501c3 status they should apply with a fiscal sponsor.

The deadline is 20th May.

Kay Longcope Scholarship Award and Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award - grants for U.S. based LGBTQ+ college students looking to pursue a career in journalism. The Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award offers $5000 tuition assistance and the Kay Longcope Scholarship Award offers $3000 and is specifically for a student of colour. They accept audio pieces as part of the application.

The deadline is 20th May, midnight ET.

Tulsa Artist Fellowship - a 3-year fellowship intended to foster an equitable environment where a diverse and inclusive community of artists and arts workers have the opportunity to live and thrive professionally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, or O-1 Visa holders. Artists can be from any medium and/or discipline as long as they have a minimum of five years of arts experience. Over the three years they provide: a $150,000 stipend, a $36,000 housing stipend, a one-time $1500 relocation stipend, fully subsidised studio space with equipment, childcare reimbursements for any fellowship activities, and $3600 stipends for a studio assistant and health and wellness activities.

The deadline is 29th May.

Miami-Dade County Artist Access Grant Program - an opportunity for professional artists in any medium or discipline residing in Miami-Dade County to pursue opportunities that will advance their practice and career in demonstrable ways. Eligible opportunities include artistic professional development and skill-building opportunities such as specialised workshops, artist residencies, technique classes with master artists, conferences, teaching artist training, arts leadership training and other non-credit artistic learning opportunities, whether in person or virtual. Applicants must demonstrate how the potential, timeliness, and impact of the opportunities will forward their careers. Project-oriented opportunities such as exhibits or performances are not eligible.

The next deadline is 2nd June, 11:59 pm ET.

United Kingdom + Ireland

B-side Open Call - commission opportunities to create new artworks in any media for the next b-side Fringe festival from 11th - 14th September for artists from the island of Portland in Dorset. Work can be for indoor or outdoor contexts, intimate or large scale, static, mobile, durational or event based, as long as it is available to the public. Sound is an accepted medium. The pay is unspecified.

The deadline is 20th April.

The Alfred Bradley Bursary Award - an opportunity for writers 18 and older based in the North of England (North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber) who are new to writing for audio. The winner is awarded a £5000 bursary as well as the chance of a Radio 4 Drama commission.

The deadline is 21st April, noon GMT.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum’s Living Labyrinths: Art and Fungi Open Call - funding for artists or collectives working in the South West of England (see the Arts Councils definitions) to create new region-specific work inspired by the diverse and fascinating world of fungi. They are interested in themes such as symbiosis, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and the role of fungi in shaping our world. They accept artists working in any medium except photography and moving image, including artists working with sound. They offer £6000 for the commission and a £2500 production and presentation budget. Artists should have a track record of exhibiting nationally. During the process of creating new work, artists will have the opportunity to visit Royal Albert Memorial Museum’s (RAMM) stores, to be inspired by the museum’s collections and work with its curators. The work will be exhibited from October 2026 to February 2027. Applicants should consider how they might present their work for display. Shortlisted applicants will be paid a fee of £300 to produce and present a proposal for the selection panel.

The deadline is 28th April, 12 pm BST.

UKAN State of the Industry Pay Survey - to keep track of inequity in the industry, the U.K. Audio Network (UKAN) and Content is Queen are conducting their annual survey on pay and equity within the U.K. audio industry. It takes less than 5 minutes, and asks questions about pricing, pay and feelings about the current state of the industry. They use the data to produce statistics on the pay rate, which is an incredibly useful guide for people to compare themselves to others at their experience level, helpful for making sure they’re not being exploited by employers or clients, or even unintentionally exploiting themselves by undercharging.

The deadline is 30th April.

The Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) - The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the most recognised training scheme for journalists in the U.K. The organisation offers bursaries to people from diverse backgrounds who need help funding their NCTJ training. You can only apply once you have applied for an NCTJ-accredited course. They have four application rounds a year.

The next deadline is 30th April, 5 pm BST.

Liberty 2025 Open Call: Artistic Work - a call out for bold, innovative, and thought-provoking work by disabled England-based artists working across all artforms and disciplines for the Liberty Festival, taking place in Wandsworth on 24th - 28th September 2025. By disabled, they mean “all people who face disableist [including audist or neurotypist] barriers,” or “people who identify themselves as disabled and/or are identified by others as disabled in society.” Proposals could include creative performances presented live to audiences, screenings, interactive events, exhibitions or installations, talks, workshops, and discussions. The minimum amount that you can apply for is £500, the maximum is £20,000. Applicants must have the right to work or operate in England. They are particularly interested in finding creatives who feel they have a strong personal or professional connection to Wandsworth.

The deadline is 1st May, 12 pm BST.

Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards - a celebration of responsible journalism on refugee issues in Scotland. They have six categories: independent media, written news, features, broadcast, radio and local media; audio can be submitted in all categories. Entries must be about refugee and asylum issues in Scotland and/or produced by a journalist living and working in Scotland. Applicants can enter their own work, or nominate outstanding pieces of work by other journalists.

The deadline is 5th May, 11:59 pm BST.

Hidden Sussex Young Artists Call-out - call-out for Sussex-based writers, artists and storytellers aged 13 to 18 from Black, mixed heritage, global majority and racially minoritised backgrounds. The call-out offers the opportunity to share work on a theme of life in Sussex: “In the towns, on the Downs or by the sea.” Work of all kinds is welcome. Submissions can be in response to one of several writing prompts or explore original ideas.

The deadline is 9th May, 11:59 pm GMT.

Transmission Roundhouse Podcast Academy - an 11-week programme for London-based 18- to 25-year-olds that teaches young people how to make a podcast and supports them in the production of their first series. The course is two hours in the evening each week, in person at The Roundhouse in London. They offer free access to their studios and pay certain expenses for the podcast such as artwork. It costs £25, but financial support is available if that is a barrier. Previous experience in audio production is not required. The course runs on Tuesday evenings from 31st May to 5th August. You can read my Spotlight on Transmission Roundhouse’s Podcast Academy here.

The deadline is 12th May, 12 pm GMT.

British Podcast Awards - awards for podcasts that have been either produced in Great Britain and Northern Ireland or designed for U.K. audiences. They have 31 categories, including a Rising Star Award, for people with under two year’s experience in the podcasting industry. The entry fee is £210+VAT or £50+VAT for independents/freelance producers, charity podcasters or companies with less than 10 full-time employees. NOTE: Entries after 15th May will incur an additional fee of £100.

The standard deadline is 15th May, the late deadline is 29th May.

Bafta U.K. Scholarship Programme - funding for British citizens in need of financial assistance to study eligible undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK. BAFTA Scholars undertaking postgraduate study receive up to £12,000 towards their annual course fees (up to a maximum of £20,000 across 2 years). BAFTA will also make a contribution (unspecified) towards living expenses for undergraduate courses, but if the course is three or four years long, only those going into their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study are eligible to apply. As well as financial assistance, BAFTA scholars also receive mentoring support and free access to BAFTA events around the UK. Eligible courses include M.A. Sound Design for Film and Television and Diploma Location Sound Recording.

The deadline is 28th May, 12 pm BST.

Independent Podcast Awards - awards recognising independent podcasts in the UK and Ireland. Their definition of “independent” is free of corporate ties, i.e. produced without the financial support of a large organisation, such as a publishing company, or brand, and is not fronted by high profile celebrities (high profile guests are allowed). Podcasts must ideally have released 10 episodes in the last 12 months or be a contained mini-series. There are 23 different categories. The first entry costs £35 and subsequent entries are £5.

The deadline is 2nd June, 6 pm BST.

Europe

Council of Europe Journalism Excellence Awards - a recognition of ethical reporting on Roma and the fight against racism and antigypsyism. They accept any media forms in all the Council of Europe (CoE) member states. Five categories will be evaluated and awarded a prize of €2000 at the Awards ceremony to be held in Strasbourg on 18th June. The application form must be submitted in English. The application material can be submitted in local languages, provided they are accompanied with a good quality English translation or summary. Relevant categories include: Investigative journalism award, Best interview award, Roma and Travellers’ history and Holocaust remembrance award, Special young journalists award for journalists under the age of 30 (at the time of application) reporting on human rights, or ethnic minorities and racialised groups. I believe the awards are free to enter.

The deadline is 17th April, 11:59 pm CET.

K2.0 Kosovo Journalism Hub Fellowship - an 8-month mentorship programme promising Kosovan voices aged 18 to 35 in human rights-centered journalism. Fellows will receive intensive training, continuous mentorship and financial support to produce important stories. They aim to support written and multimedia projects, which can include audio elements. The training provided to selected participants will be customised to meet their specific needs and journalistic projects. Fellows receive €1500 to produce a story as part of the programme, which they will develop under the guidance of editors, intended for publication in K2.0 magazine. The programme consists of eight days of intensive workshops spread over two months, covering both technical skills and theoretical concepts, focusing specifically on journalistic ethics and the tools required to produce independent and original content. Applicants should have at least two years of professional experience in journalism. Applicants must be Kosovar nationals, currently residing in Kosovo. Applications may be submitted in Albanian, Serbian or English.

The deadline is 25th April.

The Fil New Local Media Award - a free-to-enter prize to reward and support French-speaking European local media (in France, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg). All broadcast media are eligible: written press, radio, television, online media (website, podcast, video channel, social networks, etc.). Submissions can include any work created after 1st January 2022. Candidates selected for the final are invited to the Local Info Festival in Nantes on 25th September to participate in a round table, with their travel and accommodation expenses covered.

The deadline is 27th April, midnight.

Columbia Paris Global Center Reid Hall Displaced Artists Initiative - a 10-month residency and €40,000 stipend for European journalists who have been forced to leave their home countries due to war, natural disaster, political oppression, or similar extreme circumstances. With administrative support and a small office space at Reid Hall, the residency offers time and space to one journalist working on a long-term project. The selected journalist will also be invited to contribute to activities at Reid Hall, such as public lectures, podcasts, workshops, or conferences. The programme runs from September 2025 to June 2026. Applicants must reside in Europe and are responsible for submitting a valid passport and visa that covers the entire period of the residency.
The deadline is 30th April.

Vienna Media Initiative Media Start Funding - €2000 - €10,000 of media start-up funding for independent journalists and small media founders in Vienna who want to create economically sustainable offerings and deepen their business and journalistic know-how. Funding can cover the costs of education and training, advice, internal personnel costs and travel expenses. The maximum project duration is 1.5 years.

The next deadline is 30th April.

Sonic Arts Voice as Legacy Workshop - a 5-day workshop for Netherlands-based sound artists aged 18 to 25 focusing on re-archiving forgotten traditions, resistance, and untold stories. Priority is given to persons from the Levantine and African diaspora. The workshop takes place from 11th to 15th June and culminates in a public presentation.

The deadline is 10th May.

Journalismfund Europe Grant Programmes - funding which enables journalists and media to independently produce relevant cross-border investigative stories of public interest with a European mindset from international, national, and regional perspectives. It is open to E.U. member states and participating countries in the Creative Europe Programme (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Armenia, and Tunisia). Unless otherwise specified, the results of the journalistic investigations can be published in any language, but applications must be in English. Unless otherwise specified, there is typically no limit to the amount applicants can request as long as the budget seems reasonable for the project. They have several grants which have multiple deadlines a year:

The Pascal Decroos Fund - a grant programme for Dutch nationals to promote in-depth journalism in the Dutch-language media in Belgium. They are seeking original and innovative proposed projects which are relevant to Flanders and cannot be realised through regular journalistic channels. They have three types of grants: Investigative Journalism, In-depth Journalism and Preliminary Research. All journalistic media are accepted, including radio and podcasts. Both early-career and experienced journalists can apply, but those with more than two years of experience must provide a letter of intent for publication from at least one professional news outlet.

The next deadline is 15th May, 1 pm CET.

FPD Low Countries Grant - funds for investigative journalists from Belgium and The Netherlands who want to collaborate for a cross-border local investigation. The proposed project must be published in at least one Dutch-language medium in Belgium and in one medium in the Netherlands. Applicants must have a letter of intent for publication from at least two professional news outlets. They accept any journalistic media, including radio documentaries and podcasts.

The next deadline is 15th May, 1 pm CET.

FPD Science Grant - funds for in-depth Dutch-language investigative science journalism in Belgium. They are seeking original and innovative proposed projects that cannot be realised through regular journalistic channels. The results of the research must be published in a Belgian media outlet. There is no limit to the budget you can suggest.

The next deadline is 15th May, 1 pm CET.

Pluralistic Media for Democracy - a total of €1,400,000 in financial support for 40 local and regional European outlets, community media, investigative journalism, and public interest news

organisations that operate in "news deserts" or areas experiencing strained media pluralism. The grant programme is open to legal entities with a registered seat in one of the EU27 countries and Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia & Serbia. The programme aims to empower media organisations to continue their critical role in upholding democracy and fostering informed public discourse across Europe through strategic support in innovation, business sustainability, and audience engagement.

The next deadline is 12th June, 1 PM CEST.

Anna-Maria and Stephen M. Kellen Fellowships - funding for up-and-coming German journalists to examine critical issues and public-policy by comparing perspectives in German-American affairs. Applicants must: have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience; hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent; hold German citizenship and live and work in Berlin; have a working knowledge of the English language. Fellows receive room and board for 21 days and a $7000 stipend to cover transatlantic airfare and domestic travel. Staff and freelancers can apply, but freelance journalists should demonstrate where related pieces could be published.

The deadline is 30th May.

NTR Podcastprijs (Podcast Prize) - a prize for young creators under 30 from Belgium and the Netherlands for works in Dutch or Flemish. The form of the audio piece is completely free; it can be a narrative series/single documentary/sound art/radio play/reportage/news item/drama production/portrait/etc. The maximum length is 50 minutes. Ten podcasts will be nominated; the prizes include professional recording equipment, a visit to the Prix Europa in Berlin or a masterclass by the NPO fund.

The deadline is 30th May, 5 pm CEST.

IPI New Media Incubator - an 8-month programme supporting startups and new media ventures in Europe with €15,000, training, tools and guidance to build sustainable and creative news products shaping the media market. The International Press Institute (IPI) will train, coach and guide grantees toward product-market fit, resilience and successful implementation of their project. Eligible organisations should be based in Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine. Applications must be submitted in English.

The deadline is 6th June.

Prix Europa - a free-to-enter award for the best European audio, digital media and video productions of the year which are funded or co-funded by public service media. They have seven audio categories. They also have a Rising Star award for students (which has a separate deadline in August). The award is unique because entries are assessed with an open-door jury, meaning evaluation takes place with a “public and open debate.” If your work is nominated you must attend the Prix Europa in Berlin from 5th to 10th October 2025 in order to present the piece and judge others (travel expenses won’t be covered).

The deadline is 15th June.

AJP Journalism Fund - grants for approved journalists (trainees and professionals) in Belgium to develop value-added major or investigative journalistic work. They accept print, photography, magazine, radio, television, podcast, or digital news media. Projects could be major investigations or shorter in-depth coverage. Individual funding amounts are not specified, but they are granting €120,000 in total for this round.

The next deadline is 15th June, 11:59 pm CET.

Canada

Carleton Certificate in Journalism in Indigenous Communities - a free 10-month, hybrid learning experience at Carleton University for Indigenous peoples from: Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne. It is primarily aimed at people based in Ontario but they will consider others. It involves a 2-week internship at a news organisation and three in-person intensives, for which food and accommodation costs are covered. Graduates will receive a CAD $3000 award to help them in the next steps of their journalism journey. Applicants must have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including a minimum of six 4U or M courses. Those credits must include a 4U course in English (or anglais) with a grade of 60 percent or higher. The course takes place from September to May.

The deadline is unspecified. There are info sessions in April and May.

Canada Council for the Arts Research and Creation - A grant of up to CAD $25,000 for Canadian artists, artistic groups and arts organisations to develop and make creative works. Grants provide support for creative research, creation and project development.

The deadline is 23rd April.

Canada Council for the Arts Concept to Realization - Project grants - a grant supporting the full creative cycle — from the initial idea through to presentation, at any stage of the creative continuum. Open to Canadian artists, artistic groups and arts organisations can apply to create projects intended for presentation. Grants provide support for artistic research, creation, project development, remounts, production, post-production and presentation. Awards are for CAD $60,000 (exceptionally up to $100,000).

The deadline is 23rd April.

RTDNF Canada Scholarships - awards of between $1000 and $5000 from The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for the work of student journalists who are currently enrolled in a Canadian broadcast or digital journalism course at either a college or university. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen, landed Immigrant, or hold a Canadian work visa. There are many scholarships available, all with their own criteria and funding amounts. They ask for media submissions that have been produced for a school assignment in the 2024-25 school term. The same story/media cannot be submitted to more than one scholarship.

The deadline is 30th April, 11:59 pm ET.

EU-Canada Young Journalist Fellowship - a fellowship for Canadian citizen or permanent resident journalists aged 18 to 30 who are interested in reporting about important issues of the European Union. The 3 selected winning candidates will be hosted for a week-long all expense paid study tour, beginning 17th November, to learn about EU institutions and will receive a one year subscription membership to Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ). Work samples must be submitted in either English or French.

The deadline is 6th May.

Calgary Arts Grant Investment Programs - one-time project funding to individual artists and artist collectives in Calgary/Mohkinsstsis working in any artistic discipline who pursue a professional practice. Projects can include research, creation, development, production, presentation or dissemination of artistic work, or the experimentation or development of new or adapted approaches to practice. Individual artists may apply for up to CAD $20,000 and artist collectives may apply for up to $25,000. They will also accept applications from Treaty 7 nation members living within Treaty 7 (Southern Alberta) if they can demonstrate a clear connection to Calgary/Mohkinsstsis communities.

The deadline is 14th May, 4:30 pm MT.

Latin America + Caribbean

Conexão Oceano de Comunicação Ambiental - a call out for Brazilian journalists to pitch story ideas which address the links between ocean preservation and aquatic sports or sports activities directly influenced by coastal areas. Applicants must have at least two years of experience. Journalists can submit up to two story ideas to be published or broadcast in print, online, radio and TV. Successful proposals will be given a BRL 10,000 grant to fund the reporting. See terms and conditions here (in Portuguese).

The deadline is 20th April.

Camp Serrapilheira: Podcasts - a 7-week podcast production training for black and brown people in Brazil with proposals for science podcasts. Podcasts can relate to life sciences, geosciences, physics, chemistry, computer science or mathematics. Those selected will receive up to BRL 55,000 to carry out their projects. Podcast proposals can take a wide range of formats, but scripted projects will be prioritised over proposals for improvised conversations. Teams will participate in a hybrid training programme and receive financial support for the production of a season. There will be two online 2-hour classes per week, held in the evenings. The in-person stage includes a 5-day immersive course in Salvador, Brazil; costs will be covered by Serrapilheira. Proposals must be in Portuguese. Training and follow-up sessions will also be carried out in Portuguese. NOTE: to confirm the self-declaration of race, phenotypic aspects such as “skin colour, ” “predominant facial aspects” and “hair type” are considered (translated from Portuguese).

The deadline is 30th May.

Sebrae Journalism Award - a recognition of the best reporting on the topic of entrepreneurship in Brazil. Stories can be submitted in four categories: Text, Audio, Video and Photojournalism. Winners in each of these categories are awarded a laptop. There is also a University Journalism category for students. The central theme this year is “Journalist Partner of the Entrepreneur — Small Businesses and COP-30.” Applicants can submit up to three stories.

The deadline is 9th June.

Africa

The Fulbright Egyptian Student Program - a fully funded master’s degree for Egyptian students to study in any field at a U.S. college or university. For a maximum of two years they fund the course as well as a stipend, travel allowance, health insurance and more. Preference will be given to applicants without prior significant experience in the U.S. and/or overseas, and U.S. citizens and green card holders and applicants are not eligible to apply. See the eligibility requirements here, which include grades and English language proficiency.

The deadline is 31st May.

Isu Elihle Awards Competition - free-to-enter awards recognising quality reporting on children’s issues, by journalists working in the continent of Africa. The competition provides project-based mentorship and prize money. The top three published stories will receive R25,000, R15,000 and R10,000 respectively. There’s also a bonus prize — The Isu Elihle Mandy Rossouw Accountability Category Prize — between R10,000 and R25,000 for those journalists in the competition who show remarkable bravery towards holding governments and institutions accountable to ensure that the rights of children on the continent are met. All entries must be in English.

The deadline is 5th June, midnight CAT.

Oceania

All The Best Audio Storytelling Mentorship - a 12-week mentorship programme for 10 emerging producers from community radio stations across Australia to learn the fundamentals of audio storytelling skills from industry leaders. The workshops cover topics like narrative planning, recording, scripting and creative production. At the end of the programme, each participant will produce a 5-minute audio feature or documentary. They are particularly interested in supporting people who face barriers to accessing paid educational learning pathways.

The deadline is 1st May.

Richard Llewellyn Deaf and Disability Grants - funding for Deaf and disabled artists in South Australia. The relevant grants on offer are:

Professional Development - funding for professional development opportunities for individual artists and arts workers who are deaf or disabled to undertake skills development and training that is relevant to their arts practice or professional practice as an arts or cultural worker. They offer first-step grants to support first-time applicants in the early stages of their professional arts practice (up to $3000) and individual grants for professional practising deaf and disabled artists and arts workers (up to $10,000). Eligible expenses include: mentoring, short courses, work placement/secondment, attendance at conferences, arts residencies and attachment to festivals or arts organisations, internships.

Projects -Individual up to $10,000 for the development and presentation of projects across all art forms by professional practising artists who are deaf or identify as a person with disability. Eligible expenses include: administration; creative fees; technical, personnel and production costs; travel, living allowance; marketing costs; materials; hire of studio, venue and equipment; freight; curatorial cost, catalogue essay writer’s fees, catalogue design and printing costs; photography and documentation; exhibition costs; small scale, independent film projects; and auspicing fees.

The deadline is 12th May, 5 pm ACT.

Crawford Fund Journalism Awards - a grant for an Australian journalist to experience first-hand agricultural projects in a developing country that are changing lives for the better. Successful applicants will interact with passionate researchers and local farmers, and share their stories with the Australian public. The awardee will submit a piece of completed work that is then published or broadcast. Entries from freelance journalists should indicate an intention to seek publication of further work produced from the visit. The prize will include economy class travel, travel/medical insurance, visa costs, accommodation and other general expenses.

The deadline is 30th May.

Middle East

IJN: Syrian Investigative Journalism Grants - grant for Syrian or Arab investigative journalists, based either inside or outside Syria, to produce an investigative story that focuses on transitional justice in Syria. Selected applicants will receive full editorial, legal and financial support from Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism to produce their investigations.Transitional justice topics may include, but are not limited to: accountability for war crimes, victims' rights and reparations, reconstruction efforts, economic crimes and war financing, legal and legislative barriers, and more. Proposals must be submitted in Arabic and should clearly outline the investigation’s hypothesis, methodology, evidence, potential sources and a detailed work plan.

The deadline is 1st May.

Asia

National Arts Council Singapore Grant - grants for the creation of new works by Singaporean artists or the adaptation of old works across artistic mediums. The grant is capped at $50,000 per applicant. Projects can last up to 18 months. For the 2025 cycle, projects with strong use of digital technology are prioritised.

The deadline is 15th May.

That’s it for this month! Thanks for subscribing.

If you have any upcoming resources you can submit them via this form or via email to allhear [at] transom [dot] org.

All Hear is edited by Jennifer Jerrett and Sydney Lewis.

Copyright © Talia Augustidis, all rights reserved.

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