Deadline: February 16, 2026
The Altavoz Lab Community Journalist Fellowship 2026 is a 7-month fellowship program designed to empower and support journalists who are deeply rooted in their local communities. The fellowship focuses on amplifying stories from historically underserved or underrepresented populations, building trust through authentic and inclusive storytelling that serves community needs.
The program provides journalists with the tools, training, and funding required to report impactful stories that strengthen community connections and foster engagement beyond traditional media platforms.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Up to $8,000 in direct funding to support an in-depth reporting project or a story series.
- Up to $3,000 for the fellow’s host newsroom to enhance community engagement beyond social media channels.
- Access to mentorship, cohort training, and professional development opportunities throughout the fellowship period.
This funding structure ensures that both the journalist and their newsroom can work collaboratively to produce journalism that truly reflects and benefits the community it serves.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Altavoz Lab Community Journalist Fellowship 2026:
- Must be a freelance or staff journalist affiliated with a community-based outlet.
- Reporting must be conducted in English or Spanish.
- Applicants must live within the community they intend to report on.
- The reporting focus must be on communities that have historically been disinvested in or overlooked by mainstream media.
The fellowship is open to journalists across diverse backgrounds who are committed to community-centered storytelling and public-interest reporting.
Application Requirements
Applicants will be required to submit the following materials as part of their application:
- A comprehensive budget document (in DOC or PDF format) detailing the reporting and engagement plan.
- An updated resume or CV.
- A recent professional headshot.
- One professional reference contact.
- A signed editor consent form, if applying through a newsroom.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30-minute virtual interview in March 2026. Applicants are encouraged to prepare clear, impactful proposals that highlight their connection to the community and the intended outcomes of their reporting project.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Mid-January 2026
- Information Webinar: February 6, 2026 (available in English and Spanish)
- Application Deadline: February 16, 2026 (11:59 pm PT)
- Finalist Interviews: Week of March 10, 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: Early April 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the information webinar to gain insights into the program structure, expectations, and application best practices.
How to Strengthen Your Application
To enhance your chances of selection:
- Clearly outline how your reporting project will serve, represent, and impact your community.
- Present a realistic and well-structured budget that reflects the costs of both reporting and audience engagement.
- Secure newsroom support early by obtaining a signed editor consent form (if applicable).
- Emphasize your community ties, audience engagement strategies, and the sustainability of your reporting impact.
Conclusion
The Altavoz Lab Community Journalist Fellowship 2026 presents an exceptional opportunity for journalists committed to community-driven storytelling. Through financial support, mentorship, and professional development, this program empowers journalists to elevate local narratives and expand the reach of meaningful journalism.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
