In response to the severe impact of the pandemic, the Amazonia Rainforest Journalism Fund (RJF) and the Pulitzer Center are opening a new call for proposals for journalism grants to cover stories about the region in the times of a pandemic..

Journalists, editors, and independent media organizations are invited to submit their proposals. Stories involving collaborative reporting, or including local and/or indigenous journalists facing travel restrictions and health risks imposed by the pandemic, will also be encouraged. Letters of commitment will be required from relevant media outlets that will publish the stories.

We encourage projects that address the converging crises of covid-19, deforestation, and other critical threats to the region. Reporting should highlight local voices. 

Due to the current near-impossibility of reaching Indigenous lands and other vulnerable traditional populations due to public health constraints, it becomes even more important to strengthen local journalism and journalism practiced by Indigenous journalists, quilombolas, riverine people, and other traditional or local communities. Projects involving local media or journalists living in these communities will be prioritized.

Proposals for this special call must be received by April 15.

Additional proposal guidelines and suggestions:

• Proposed projects associated with local press and journalists representing Indigenous, quilombola, ribeirinho (riverine), and other traditional or local communities will have priority.
• Proposed projects may include the use of data, multimedia, or other innovative approaches.
• Ideally, proposed projects should have wide distribution and include at least one commitment letter from a national or regional media organization.