Deadline: 28 July 2025
The Bertha Challenge 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique and fully funded opportunity for investigative journalists, activists, filmmakers, and lawyers around the world. This prestigious fellowship empowers professionals to work collaboratively and independently to expose and challenge systemic abuses of power threatening democratic rights and freedoms.
In 2026, the challenge focuses on the following central question:
How are “hybrid regimes” – democracies undermined by ethno-nationalism, patriarchy, oligarchs, corporations, technology surveillance, and power abuse – threatening civil rights, a free press, and the rule of law, and how can they be held accountable?
This blog post provides a complete guide on how to apply for the Bertha Challenge 2026, what to expect from the fellowship, and expert insights to help you craft a successful application.
About the Bertha Challenge 2026
The Bertha Challenge 2026 is a 12-month, full-time, paid fellowship that supports professionals working on issues that connect politics, profit, and systemic abuses of power, especially in areas like climate justice, digital surveillance, human rights, and legal repression.
This year, the fellowship is open to:
- Investigative Journalists
- Activists
- Filmmakers
- Lawyers
Each fellow will undertake an individual project aligned with the core challenge while actively collaborating with a global cohort.
Who Can Apply
Journalists
Must be engaged in in-depth investigative work that exposes how hybrid regimes impact civil society.
Activists
Should be leading or supporting grassroots movements addressing these regimes’ influence on rights and governance.
Filmmakers
Must be working on fact-based, non-extractive films rooted in the communities they cover. Projects can be in any phase, from research to post-production.
Lawyers
Should practice “movement lawyering” — working with affected communities through litigation, research, mapping, or advocacy, often across jurisdictions.
Fellowship Benefits
- Salary: Up to USD 64,900 (aligned with host organization or market rate)
- Project Fund: Up to USD 10,000
- Connect Fund: Up to USD 5,000 to encourage collaboration
- Global Convening: All-expenses-paid in-person cohort retreat
- Peer Mentorship: Bi-monthly virtual meetings and collaborative knowledge exchange
Fellowship Requirements
- Fellows must work full-time for 12 months (January–December 2026).
- Fellows must be hosted by a pre-approved host organization in their home country, which will manage their salary and project funds.
- A final publicly accessible output must be produced (e.g., film, legal document, report), in English. Translation support is available.
- Participation in the global convening and regular online cohort interactions is mandatory.
Application Process
Applicants must complete an online application that includes:
- Personal and professional background
- Project proposal aligning with the 2026 theme
- Confirmation of host organization support
🔗 Click here to apply for the Bertha Challenge 2026
🔗 Read more about the programme here
🧠 Expert Tips from Grant Database
“This fellowship rewards vision, clarity, and alignment with systemic change goals. Applicants should be precise about the why, how, and who of their work. Clearly outline how your project will uncover and challenge the structures of power that protect hybrid regimes.”
– GrantsDatabase.org Editorial Team
Tips for a strong application:
- Define your audience: Who benefits? Who will use your output?
- Demonstrate feasibility: Have a practical plan with achievable milestones.
- Show originality: Bring fresh perspectives, especially from underrepresented regions or communities.
- Secure your host: Early engagement with a credible host organization is essential.
📩 Need help drafting or refining your proposal?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
Info Sessions (Optional but Encouraged)
Join a virtual info session to learn more about the fellowship and ask direct questions to the Bertha team:
- 1 July 2025, 07:00 UTC
- 16 July 2025, 13:00 UTC
Final Thoughts
The Bertha Challenge 2026 is more than just a fellowship—it is a movement-building platform. If you are a truth-seeker, justice advocate, or creative changemaker committed to dismantling abusive systems and defending civic space, this opportunity is for you.
Don’t miss the deadline — 28 July 2025.
Apply today and become part of a global community pushing the boundaries of activism, law, journalism, and storytelling.
