Impact Creators Fellowship 2026 – Digital Storytelling for Social Impact

The Impact Creators Fellowship supports emerging digital storytellers and journalists producing content across platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, podcasts, and other digital media. The program emphasizes ethical, public-interest journalism while helping fellows create content that drives measurable social impact.

The fellowship is implemented by Raseef22 in partnership with Internews, combining regional expertise with global best practices in digital media and storytelling.

Application Deadline: January 25, 2026

Financial Support

• Micro-grants ranging from USD 1,500–3,000 to produce a public-interest content series (3–5 pieces)
• Grants can cover production costs, research, and freelance support

Editorial Mentorship & Training

• One-on-one guidance on story development and production
• Support navigating ethical dilemmas and audience impact
• Training in legal, ethical, creative, and technical storytelling
• Platform-specific publishing strategies

Content Production

• Complete practical assignments culminating in a fully developed, publishable project
• Gain tools to sustain responsible storytelling beyond the fellowship

Networking & Visibility

• Join a regional cohort of creators and journalists
• Access to media professionals across MENA and internationally
• Collaboration and commissioning opportunities
• Potential representation at major journalism events for outstanding fellows

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is ideal for:

• Emerging content creators, digital storytellers, and journalists
• Creators working primarily in digital spaces
• Individuals committed to ethical, responsible, and impact-driven storytelling

Content & Impact Expectations

Fellows are expected to produce a series of 3–5 content pieces that:

• Address a clear social issue or problem
• Have social value and relevance to a defined audience
• Are accurate, trustworthy, and responsibly framed
• Engage audiences and drive measurable social impact

Examples of focus areas: gender and social justice, health and well-being, migration, climate change, education, minority rights, and social cohesion

Time Commitment & Program Structure

• Part-time fellowship compatible with ongoing work
• Attend 12 online sessions (~36 hours)
• Dedicate 7–8 hours/week during active phases
• Complete practical assignments and a final content series

Timeline:

• Call for Applications: December 22, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 25, 2026
• Selection & Onboarding: February 15, 2026
• Capacity Building & Mentorship: February – May 2026
• Content Production: April – June 2026

Why Apply?

Participants will:

• Receive financial and editorial support to produce meaningful content
• Strengthen credibility as a responsible digital storyteller
• Gain skills bridging journalism and content creation
• Expand regional and international networks
• Join a growing community shaping an ethical and inclusive digital media ecosystem

The fellowship prioritizes impact over reach, focusing on stories that spark dialogue, change understanding, and give visibility to often unheard voices.