Call for Grant Applications -Text Reports on Renewable Energy in India
Application Deadline:
3 March 2025
About Organisation
Established in 2004, the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) has evolved into a global network of journalists and media outlets committed to enhancing environmental and climate change reporting. With a presence in nearly every region, EJN addresses the increasing challenges faced by journalists covering climate and environmental issues.
The urgency of climate reporting has never been greater, yet financial constraints, misinformation, and limited resources hinder accurate and impactful storytelling. Many journalists, especially freelancers, struggle to conduct in-depth research due to inadequate funding and institutional support. EJN plays a crucial role in bridging this gap by empowering local journalists with resources, mentorship, and funding to produce well-researched environmental stories.
EJN’s core mission is to strengthen grassroots journalism that informs communities and policymakers about environmental challenges, fostering informed decision-making. By supporting journalists in producing insightful, solution-driven reports, EJN ensures that critical environmental issues receive the attention they deserve. The organization aims to amplify the voices of those at the frontline of climate crises, holding power accountable and driving meaningful action through high-quality reporting.
About the Grant
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering grants to communicators in India to produce in-depth reports on the country’s transition to renewable energy. This initiative seeks to highlight the progress made, challenges faced, and scalable solutions that promote decentralized clean energy solutions.
India has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030. However, as of late 2024, the installed capacity stands at just over 162 GW, leaving a significant gap to bridge in the next five years. Key challenges include financial constraints for RE firms, limited grid capacity, outdated wind turbines, land scarcity, and slow adoption of rooftop solar solutions.
This grant encourages journalists to explore the hurdles in India’s clean energy transition while offering well-researched, solution-oriented narratives. It prioritizes reports that provide fresh perspectives, drive conversations among policymakers and communities, and highlight scalable approaches to overcoming challenges.
Selected applicants will receive up to ₹1 lakh in funding along with one-on-one editorial mentorship to ensure the production of impactful and rigorous reports. The grant aims to promote quality journalism that raises awareness about India’s renewable energy landscape.
Who can Apply?
The grant is open to communicators across India, including both early-career and experienced journalists. Individuals or groups may apply, but a single lead applicant must be designated to communicate with EJN and receive funds on behalf of the group if selected.
Eligible applicants include freelance reporters, staff writers, and contributors from international, national, regional, or community-based print and online media. While reports must be text-based, supporting visuals such as images, maps, and infographics are encouraged. Video and radio reports are not eligible under this call.
Special preference is given to women, Indigenous journalists, and communicators from marginalized communities. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest or track record in reporting environmental issues. Reports must be original, thoroughly researched, and provide fresh insights into India’s renewable energy transition.
Submissions can be made in English, Hindi, Marathi, or Tamil. Reports that merely advocate for specific solutions, focus on individual success stories, or serve public relations purposes will not be considered.
How to Apply?
Applicants must log in and submit their proposals outlining their chosen topic, research plan, and approach to storytelling. Proposals should clearly define the significance of the issue and its potential impact.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submissions is March 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Asia/Kolkata). Late applications will not be considered.
Last Date to Apply
All applications must be submitted before March 3, 2025. Ensure timely submission to be considered for the grant.
Grant Amount
Selected applicants will receive financial support of up to ₹1 lakh along with one-on-one editorial mentorship to enhance the quality and impact of their reports.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
