The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) is accepting applications for the Kim Wall Memorial Fund 2027. The deadline is December 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. This opportunity supports women or nonbinary journalists worldwide with a $5,000 grant for reporting projects.
Specifically, the fund supports reporting on subculture and “the undercurrents of rebellion.” Moreover, applicants may be based anywhere in the world, and both staff and freelance journalists can apply.
Application Deadline & Key Dates:
- Application Closing Deadline: 6 December 2026 at 11:59 PM EST (via Submittable)
- Review Period: January – February 2027
- Outcome Notification: By mid-March 2027
- Public Announcement Date: 23 March 2027 (Kim’s birthday)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Kim Wall Memorial Fund, established and administered by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), provides $5,000 reporting grants to exceptional women and nonbinary journalists worldwide. The fund honors the legacy of journalist Kim Wall by supporting reporting projects that explore subculture and “the undercurrents of rebellion,” encouraging reporters to venture into the world and engage deeply with untold or underrepresented stories.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Investigative journalism, feature reporting, and multimedia storytelling focusing on subculture, alternative communities, and “the undercurrents of rebellion.” (Note: Academic research or research exclusively for academic publication is ineligible).
Type:
Global Reporting Grant & Journalism Fellowship Support
Who can Apply:
- Gender Identity: Open to women, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming journalists.
- Professional Experience: Must have one (1) or more years of professional experience working in news media (Internships do not count toward this requirement). Staff and freelance journalists are both eligible.
- Application Basis: Applications are accepted exclusively from individual journalists, though part of the budget may be allocated to a reporting partner (such as a producer or photographer).
- Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal English skills to participate fully in the program (However, the final reporting may be published in any language).
- Publication Track Record: Must show proof of interest from an editor or demonstrate a proven track record of publication in prominent media outlets.
How Applicants Are Selected:
Applications are evaluated by the IWMF based on professional journalism experience, editorial backing or publication history, English proficiency, and the alignment of the proposed reporting project with the spirit of Kim Wall’s work exploring subcultures and rebellions.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Applicants may be based anywhere in the world).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Global field reporting locations depending on the applicant’s chosen project proposal.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Annual global cohort of grant recipients receiving $5,000 each.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Financial Grant: $5,000 USD direct grant funding to support independent journalism projects.
- Expense Coverage: Funds cover reporting-related costs including travel, logistics, insurance, visa fees, professional stipends, and payments for translators or producers.
What is Not Covered:
The grant does not cover the purchase or rental of equipment, nor can it support academic research or research intended for academic publication. Time-sensitive proposals are also not considered.
How Long Will it Last:
Project duration is determined by the grantee’s reporting timeline (review and selection concluded by mid-March 2027).
Required Application Documents:
- Proof of Professional Experience: Documentation showing 1+ years of working experience in news media (excluding internships).
- Editorial Verification: Proof of interest from an editor OR a proven track record of publication in prominent media outlets.
- English Proficiency Evidence: Demonstration of excellent written and verbal English skills.
- Project Proposal & Budget: Detailed reporting plan focusing on subcultures/rebellion and a proposed budget allocating the $5,000 grant (including provisions for reporting partners if applicable).
How to Apply:
- Review all eligibility criteria and prepare your reporting proposal and supporting evidence of publication.
- Access the official application platform via the IWMF Submittable Portal.
- Complete the online application form, upload your project details, and submit your application before 6 December 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. (For accessibility or connectivity questions, contact Program Coordinator Rachael Smith at [email protected]).
GOODLUCK!
