The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) has opened applications for the 2026 CJF Black Journalism Fellowships. This initiative aims to amplify Black voices and cultivate future media leaders by providing early-career Black journalists (one to five years of experience) with six-month residencies at Canada’s leading news organizations. Participating hosts include CBC/Radio-Canada, CTV News, The Globe and Mail, and the Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB) at the University of Toronto. Fellows receive a total stipend of $35,000 to cover the six-month period. Applicants must be based in Canada and available for in-person work starting in September. The application deadline is January 23, 2026.
CJF Black Journalism Fellowships 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organizations | CBC, CTV, Globe and Mail, IJB (U of T) |
| Location | Canada (Various Host Cities) |
| Stipend Amount | $35,000 (Paid in Installments) |
| Duration | 6 Months (September – February) |
| Target Group | Early-career Black Journalists |
| Experience Required | 1 to 5 Years |
| Application Deadline | January 23, 2026 |
CJF Black Journalism Fellowships Program 2026
The CJF Black Journalism Fellowships are a transformative series of awards designed to address systemic barriers in the media industry by improving the coverage of Black issues and fostering a new generation of Black media leaders. By placing talented journalists in high-impact newsrooms, the CJF ensures that diverse perspectives are integrated into the core of Canadian storytelling.
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This program offers more than just financial support; it provides a high-level platform for journalists to develop specialized expertise. Whether focusing on business reporting at The Globe and Mail or deep-dive investigative work at the IJB, fellows are embedded in professional environments where they receive mentorship and the opportunity to produce work that reaches millions of Canadians.
Fellowship Categories
The program is divided into five distinct categories to cater to different journalistic interests and professional goals:
- CJF-Globe and Mail Black Business Journalism Fellowship: Focuses on economic and corporate reporting.
- CJF-IJB Black Investigative Journalism Fellowship: Hosted at the Investigative Journalism Bureau at the University of Toronto.
- CJF-CBC/Radio-Canada Black Journalism Fellowship: Available in both English and French newsrooms.
- CJF-CBC/Radio-Canada Black Women’s Journalism Fellowship: Specifically for Black female-identifying journalists.
- CJF-CTV News Black Journalism Fellowship: Focuses on broadcast and digital news production.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the CJF
The fellowship provides a robust financial package to ensure participants can focus entirely on their professional development.
Tier 1: Financial Stipend ($35,000)
- Living Support: A total stipend of $35,000 for the six-month period.
- Payment Schedule: Stipends are paid in twice-monthly installments on the 15th and the last day of every month.
Tier 2: Professional Placement & Mentorship
- Elite Newsroom Access: Six months of full-time residency at a premier Canadian news organization.
- Leadership Cultivation: Direct interaction with senior editors and producers to develop strategic media leadership skills.
Tier 3: Skill Diversification
- Specialized Training: Depending on the category, fellows gain experience in investigative techniques, business analysis, or national broadcast production.
- Portfolio Building: The opportunity to publish high-profile stories under prestigious mastheads.
Eligibility Requirements for CJF Black Journalism Fellowships 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Open to Black journalists who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in reporting and a desire to improve representation in media.
- Experience Level: Applicants must have between one and five years of professional journalism experience.
- Residency Status: Candidates must be currently residing in Canada and eligible to work.
- In-Person Commitment: Selected fellows must be able to work in person at the host organization’s city and are responsible for their own accommodation.
How to Apply for CJF Black Journalism Fellowships 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Visit the CJF awards portal to select your preferred fellowship category.
- Document Preparation: Prepare a portfolio of work, a resume, and a cover letter detailing your journalistic goals and experience.
- Eligibility Assessment: Applications are reviewed based on the quality of work, potential for leadership, and alignment with the fellowship’s goals.
- Notification of Award: Winners will be notified prior to the September start date, with fellowships concluding in February.
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026 (11:59 pm ET)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total stipend for the fellowship?
Fellows receive a $35,000 stipend paid in semi-monthly installments over the six-month period.
2. Can I apply if I have more than five years of experience?
No, the program is specifically designed for early-career journalists with one to five years of experience.
3. Are the fellowships remote or in-person?
All fellowships are in-person at the respective host organizations (Toronto, Montreal, etc.).
4. Does the CJF provide housing for the fellows?
No, fellows are responsible for securing and paying for their own accommodation in the host city.
5. Can I apply for more than one fellowship category?
Applicants should select the category that best fits their skills and interests, as each has specific host requirements.
6. Is there a French-language option?
Yes, the CJF-CBC/Radio-Canada fellowship offers placements in both English and French newsrooms.
7. What is the duration of the placement?
The fellowship lasts for six months, typically starting in September and concluding in February.
8. Is the stipend taxed?
The stipend is paid as professional income; fellows should consult a tax professional regarding their specific obligations in Canada.
9. What organizations host these fellows?
Hosts include CBC/Radio-Canada, CTV News, The Globe and Mail, and the University of Toronto’s Investigative Journalism Bureau.
10. When is the 2026 application deadline?
The final deadline for submissions is January 23, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
