The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) has opened submissions for its 2026 awards, fellowships, and bursaries, celebrating excellence, innovation, and inclusion in Canadian journalism. This year’s programs support journalists at every stage of their careers, with a strong focus on Indigenous, Black, BIPOC, and early-career talent.
Below is a full overview of available opportunities and eligibility.
1. CJF Indigenous Health Journalism Fellowship (With CMA)
A flagship initiative supporting expert reporting on Indigenous health issues across Canada.
Funding
- $100,000 stipend for a mid-career Indigenous journalist (5+ years experience)
- $50,000 support for the publishing partner newsroom
Eligibility
- Open to Indigenous journalists (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)
- Must partner with an established Canadian media outlet
- Must propose a focused Indigenous health story (max 1,000 words)
Outputs
- Series of articles, a podcast, documentary, or multimedia project
- Final work to be published/broadcast by end of 2027
Application Requirements
- CV
- Statement of Indigenous identity/connection
- 1,000-word story pitch
- 500-word reporting plan
- Letter of support from national media partner
- Three work samples
Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
2. CJF Black Journalism Fellowship Program
Designed to amplify Black voices, strengthen coverage of Black communities, and build leadership in Canadian media.
Five Fellowship Streams
- CJF–CBC/Radio-Canada Black Women’s Journalism Fellowship
- CJF–CTV News Black Journalism Fellowship
- CJF–Globe and Mail Black Business Journalism Fellowship
- CJF–CBC/Radio-Canada Black Journalism Fellowship
- CJF–IJB Black Investigative Journalism Fellowship
Benefits
- Six-month placement with CBC/Radio-Canada, CTV News, Globe and Mail, or IJB
- Full-time stipend
- Mentoring in writing, editing, research & investigative skills
- Opportunity to write/produce publishable work
Eligibility
- Black Canadian journalists with 1–5 years of experience
- Must be able to relocate
- Not open to full-time employees of CBC, CTV, or Globe and Mail
Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
3. CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship
Supports a First Nations, Inuit, or Métis journalist in producing in-depth reporting for CBC Indigenous.
Benefits
- Four-month residency at a CBC location
- $30,000 stipend (paid semi-monthly)
- Opportunity to produce a publishable piece or series
- Post-fellowship report featured by CJF
Additional Notes
- Fellowship runs September–December 2026
- Fellows must arrange their own accommodation
Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
4. Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award
A prestigious award for emerging Canadian photojournalists seeking national newsroom experience.
Eligibility
- Canadian photojournalists with <5 years experience
- Students, freelancers, and early-career photographers welcome
Benefits
- Six-week internship at The Canadian Press (Toronto)
- Weekly salary (~$875)
- Some video assignment experience
- Portfolio ownership for personal use
Requirements
- 1,000-word proposal
- Portfolio of 12–25 captioned images
- Resume (reference optional)
Deadline: January 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
5. CJF Bursary for BIPOC Student Journalists
Supports a final-year journalism student who has demonstrated excellence and commitment to ethical reporting.
Funding
- $5,000 bursary, funded by Media Profile
Eligibility
- BIPOC undergraduate journalism student in their final year in Canada
Application Materials
- Samples of coursework or freelance work
- Statement of intent outlining post-graduation goals
Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
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