Al-Jumhuriya’s Grants Program for Experienced Women Journalists targets those with a background in journalistic work. The program aims to provide the financial support needed to complete a story, report, or investigation that adds significant value to the Syrian public space while also representing an important milestone in the journalist’s career.
Al-Jumhuriya is offering five grants, each worth €4000. These are provided in exchange for producing in-depth material that highlights a topic of public interest in Syria or Syrian diaspora communities. The work must be based on original research, including interviews, data, and other sources, and should be completed within a four-month period, which includes research, writing, editing, finalizing, and publishing.
During this period, the journalist will collaborate with an editor from the Al-Jumhuriya team or from its network of partners in the conceptual development and idea formulation stages. Additionally, Al-Jumhuriya staff specializing in proofreading, visual design, translation, and distribution will assist in the production and publication stages to ensure the material is completed and published in the best possible form.
The grants for the second round are not tied to a specific theme or topic. Instead, we aim for the stories and materials produced to encompass a diverse range of content, approaches, and methods of narration and presentation. However, Al-Jumhuriya has a particular interest in the following themes:
1. Stories which uncover human rights violations against Syrians by those in power, across various areas of influence or within countries neighboring Syria. These stories should also highlight individual and collective efforts to resist these violations and hold those responsible accountable.
2. Stories which expose mechanisms of corruption and the organized plunder of public resources in Syria, in various areas of influence, by those in power and their networks of clients and cronies. These stories should provide a detailed understanding of the Syrian economy and the challenges of daily living.
3. Stories which explore the complex realities faced by Syrian women, including the political, economic, and social challenges they encounter. These stories should also cover initiatives led by women to address and overcome these challenges throughout Syria or in neighboring countries.
4. Stories which shed light on the lives of Syrian youth aged fifteen to thirty, covering topics such as immigration, education, work, social media engagement, forms of public activism, and their relationship with broader society both inside and outside Syria, as well as their connection to Syria as an idea and as a reality.
5. Stories which explore the role of culture, arts, and memory in shaping a new, more diverse Syrian identity. This includes new styles of music, digital content production, archiving, and the creation of alternative spaces within Syria and in diaspora communities.
The application for the grant program must consist of the following:
1. A project proposal written in Arabic, consisting of 500-1000 words. The document should outline the project idea in a clear, convincing, and engaging manner, including a detailed description of the story to be written, the key questions the project will address, the importance of the story and its relevance to the broader theme, its feasibility within the grant period, the types of sources the journalist will use and their accessibility, and an initial concept of how the material will be narrated or presented.
2. The journalist’s CV in Arabic or English, clearly listing links to articles, journalistic or research materials, and projects she has produced or contributed to, along with the names of references who can attest to the quality of her work and professional dedication.
3. A simplified budget in Arabic or English outlining the expected expenses for completing the project, which will be covered by the grant. This may include travel and accommodation costs, transportation allowances for sources, database subscription fees, or other expenses that demonstrate the journalist’s clear understanding of the project’s nature and what is needed to complete it.
To apply, please include the three files as attachments in an email that briefly introduces the journalist and use the following subject line: Full Name – 2024 Grant Program. Send your email to:
For any questions or inquiries, feel free to contact us at the same email address.
Deadline for Submission: End of Monday, September 30, 2024.
All applicants will be notified of their application status, including those who are not selected, by October 12. The project implementation period will begin on October 18.
