2026 Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) Awards, Fellowships & Bursaries

Job Description

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The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is now accepting submissions for its 2026 awards, fellowships, and bursaries, celebrating excellence, innovation, and inclusion in Canadian journalism. This year’s programs support journalists at all career stages, with a focus on Indigenous, Black, BIPOC, and early-career talent.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the available opportunities and eligibility requirements.

1. CJF Indigenous Health Journalism Fellowship (with CMA)

This flagship fellowship supports expert reporting on Indigenous health issues across Canada.

Funding:

• $100,000 stipend for a mid-career Indigenous journalist (5+ years experience)
• $50,000 support for the publishing partner newsroom

Eligibility:

• Open to Indigenous journalists (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)
• Must partner with an established Canadian media outlet
• Must propose a focused Indigenous health story (max 1,000 words)

Outputs:

• Series of articles, podcast, documentary, or multimedia project
• Final work to be published/broadcast by end of 2027

Application Requirements:

• CV
• Statement of Indigenous identity/connection
• 1,000-word story pitch
• 500-word reporting plan
• Letter of support from national media partner
• Three work samples

Deadline: January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

2. CJF Black Journalism Fellowship Program

This program amplifies Black voices, strengthens coverage of Black communities, and develops leadership in Canadian media.

Fellowship Streams:

• CJF–CBC/Radio-Canada Black Women’s Journalism Fellowship
• CJF–CTV News Black Journalism Fellowship
• CJF–Globe and Mail Black Business Journalism Fellowship
• CJF–CBC/Radio-Canada Black Journalism Fellowship
• CJF–IJB Black Investigative Journalism Fellowship

Benefits:

• Six-month placement with CBC/Radio-Canada, CTV News, Globe and Mail, or IJB
• Full-time stipend
• Mentorship in writing, editing, research, and investigative skills
• Opportunity to produce publishable work

Eligibility:

• Black Canadian journalists with 1–5 years of experience
• Must be able to relocate
• Not open to full-time employees of CBC, CTV, or Globe and Mail

Deadline: January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

3. CJF–CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship

Supports First Nations, Inuit, or Métis journalists in producing in-depth reporting for CBC Indigenous.

Benefits:

• Four-month residency at a CBC location
• $30,000 stipend (paid semi-monthly)
• Opportunity to produce a publishable piece or series
• Post-fellowship report featured by CJF

Additional Notes:

• Fellowship runs September–December 2026
• Fellows must arrange their own accommodation

Deadline: January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

4. Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award

A prestigious award for emerging Canadian photojournalists seeking national newsroom experience.

Eligibility:

• Canadian photojournalists with less than 5 years of experience
• Students, freelancers, and early-career photographers welcome

Benefits:

• Six-week internship at The Canadian Press (Toronto)
• Weekly salary (~$875)
• Some video assignment experience
• Portfolio ownership for personal use

Requirements:

• 1,000-word proposal
• Portfolio of 12–25 captioned images
• Resume (reference optional)

Deadline: January 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

5. CJF Bursary for BIPOC Student Journalists

Supports a final-year journalism student demonstrating excellence and commitment to ethical reporting.

Funding: $5,000 bursary (funded by Media Profile)

Eligibility:

• BIPOC undergraduate journalism student in their final year in Canada

Application Materials:

• Samples of coursework or freelance work
• Statement of intent outlining post-graduation goals

Deadline: January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET