Deadline: February 1, 2026
Are you passionate about local journalism and want to create meaningful change in your community? The Great Lakes Local News Fellowship 2026–2027 is a unique opportunity for journalists and media innovators across the U.S. Great Lakes region to reimagine and strengthen local news ecosystems. This fully funded fellowship supports journalists who aim to design, launch, or expand locally focused journalism projects that serve their communities sustainably.
Application Deadline
February 1, 2026
About the Great Lakes Local News Fellowship 2026–2027
The Great Lakes Local News Fellowship 2026–2027 is designed to support the development of new or reimagined local journalism projects within the Great Lakes region of the United States. The programme targets journalists and media entrepreneurs based in or deeply connected to Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
This fellowship aims to strengthen local journalism through training, mentorship, and business development support — enabling participants to build community-driven, financially sustainable news initiatives.
Fellowship Benefits
Fellows receive comprehensive support including:
- Training and Mentorship: Access to experts in entrepreneurship, business law, organisational development, and community engagement.
- Project Development Support: Guidance on creating business models, securing funding, designing outreach strategies, and developing sustainable journalism ventures.
- Post-Fellowship Consulting: Continued mentorship and consulting after the fellowship to help execute your entrepreneurial journalism project effectively.
Focus Areas
Projects should demonstrate a strong local focus and a clear connection to one of the Great Lakes states. Fellows are expected to identify pressing community needs and propose innovative journalistic approaches to address them.
The programme encourages experimentation and practical innovation in local news distribution, community engagement, and audience development.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Great Lakes Local News Fellowship 2026–2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S.-based journalist or journalism strategist working in, or planning to expand into, one of the six focus states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin).
- Have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in journalism or related media fields.
- Possess a deep understanding of, or connection to, the community they intend to serve.
- Be committed to continuing local journalism work in the region beyond the fellowship period.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit the following:
- Personal Statement:
- Describe your connection to local news in one of the Great Lakes states.
- Explain your motivation for applying and how your work aligns with the fellowship’s goals.
- Project Proposal:
- Outline your proposed entrepreneurial journalism project.
- Include the project’s purpose, potential impact, and how the fellowship’s resources will support your success.
- Specify the skills you bring and the areas where you seek further development.
- Commitment to Community:
- Demonstrate long-term engagement with your community and a clear plan to sustain your initiative beyond the fellowship.
Number of Awards
The fellowship will support two (2) journalists or journalism strategists during the 2026–2027 cohort.
Selection Criteria
Successful applicants will be those who:
- Present a clear, innovative, and feasible project idea.
- Show a strong commitment to serving their local communities.
- Demonstrate the ability to utilise fellowship resources effectively to build or enhance a sustainable news initiative.
Timeline
- Applications Open: Ongoing
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Fellowship Duration: 2026–2027 academic year
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early to ensure consideration.
For more information on the programme details, fellowship structure, and eligibility requirements:
👉 Read more about the Great Lakes Local News Fellowship 2026–2027
📨 Need Help with Your Application?
Need expert assistance crafting a compelling fellowship proposal or refining your project idea?
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