The National Association of Science Writers (NASW) in the United States and its Grants Committee are now accepting applications from journalists, editors, staff, freelancers, producers, managers, and others across media profession for a new round of its Peggy Girshman Idea Grants.
They will provide grants of up to $15,000 to support individuals and groups for projects and programmes that will help science writers in their professional lives and benefit the field of science writing. Eligible projects are those that align with NASW’s mission and should be accessible to U.S.-based science writers.
Although being a member of NASW is not a requirement, applicants should however demonstrate an understanding of the goals and mission of the organization. Applicants from outside of the United States may apply, but all proposals must demonstrate a clear benefit to U.S.-based science writers.
The Grants Committee encourages creative thinking, and so prioritizes applications that propose novel projects, events, or resources that the NASW grants programme has not supported in the past. Successful past applications have demonstrated how funded work will be sustained beyond the award period; applicants are therefore encouraged to learn more about the programme, review past awards, and read selected proposals from past projects before they apply.
NASW is an organisation that is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and so is especially interested in projects led by and/or that serve underrepresented audiences and groups. In addition, any funded projects that solicit multiple voices, whether in the form of panels, events, writing compilations, etc. will be expected to showcase a broad diversity of voices from varied perspectives and backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, nationality, age, socioeconomic status, and belief. The best proposals will outline plans for diversity, equity, and inclusion in their project development, execution, and outreach.
Applicants should submit their proposals online through Submittable by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on February 12, 2024.
For complete details about the grant, criteria, and other information, please go to the Peggy Girshman Idea Grants page.
The National Association of Science Writers has funded projects totaling nearly $600,000 to benefit science writers since 2010. The grant programme is named in memory of former NASW board member Peggy Girshman, a founding member of the NASW Grants Committee and longtime advocate for writers.
Applicants who have questions about the grants programme or about applying, should please contact Sheila Burt, chair of the NASW Grants Committee, at grants@nasw.org.
