Application Deadline: May 22, 2026
The Pulitzer Center is opening doors for experienced journalists ready to take on some of the world’s most urgent environmental stories. The Rainforest Investigations Network Fellowship 2026 offers a rare chance to pursue deep, cross-border investigations into deforestation while receiving full professional support.
This is not a typical fellowship; it’s a full-time, yearlong commitment built for journalists who want to go beyond surface-level reporting. Fellows focus on uncovering the systems driving rainforest destruction across the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia, connecting local realities to global supply chains and power structures.
What makes this opportunity stand out is the level of backing provided. Fellows receive full salary support, allowing them to step away from routine newsroom pressures and focus entirely on investigative work. Reporting costs, travel, data, and expert support are also covered, making it possible to pursue ambitious stories that would otherwise be difficult to execute.
The program is deeply collaborative. Fellows work on both individual and joint investigations, sharing insights with a global network of journalists. Cross-border collaboration is strongly encouraged, and selected fellows are often connected with partners across regions to strengthen the reach and impact of their reporting.
There’s also a strong emphasis on public engagement. Beyond publishing stories, fellows are expected to connect their work to communities through discussions, outreach, and knowledge-sharing, ensuring their investigations contribute to broader awareness and accountability.
For journalists looking to elevate their work to an international level, this fellowship offers both the resources and the platform to do so.
Eligibility
- Open to experienced investigative journalists with a strong track record
- Applicants should have reporting experience related to rainforest regions (Amazon, Congo Basin, Southeast Asia)
- Journalists outside these regions may apply but must focus their fellowship reporting on them
- Open to staff journalists and freelancers (freelancers must secure a hosting newsroom)
- Must demonstrate ability to work collaboratively across borders and teams
- Strong understanding of environmental, political, and economic drivers of deforestation
- Willingness to engage in public outreach and knowledge-sharing activities
Application materials include:
- Statement of purpose (500 words)
- Detailed investigative project proposal (1,000 words)
- Audience engagement and distribution plan (500 words)
- Three published investigation samples
- Letter of support from a newsroom
- Three professional references
- CV or résumé
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Benefits
- Full salary support for one year
- Coverage of reporting expenses (travel, consultants, research tools)
- Opportunity to pursue high-impact investigative projects
- Access to a global network of investigative journalists
- Collaboration on cross-border investigations
- Increased visibility and influence in international journalism
This level of support allows fellows to focus entirely on producing meaningful, in-depth work that can shape public understanding and policy conversations around environmental issues.
Application
Applications are submitted individually and reviewed competitively. Strong candidates typically present:
- A clear, well-researched investigation idea
- Evidence of original reporting and editorial judgment
- A realistic and impactful publishing plan
- Ability to collaborate across regions
Shortlisted candidates are selected based on the strength, feasibility, and originality of their proposals.
For more details, visit Rainforest Investigations Network Fellowship.
If your work is driven by uncovering truth and connecting local stories to global systems, this fellowship positions you to do it at scale with the backing of one of the world’s leading journalism institutions.
