The Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship by Mongabay is a six-month remote program for aspiring environmental journalists from low- to upper-middle-income tropical countries. Supporting 34 fellows annually across English, Spanish, Indonesian, and Portuguese cohorts, the program provides a $3,000 USD total stipend ($500/month). Fellows are expected to produce six stories under editorial mentorship, committing 10 hours per week. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and a journalistic writing sample. The deadline for the 2026 cycle is February 1, 2026.
Mongabay Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Mongabay |
| Duration | 6 Months (Remote) |
| Total Stipend | $3,000 USD ($500 per month) |
| Workload | 10 hours per week |
| Deliverables | 6 Stories total |
| Language Cohorts | English, Spanish, Indonesian, Portuguese |
| Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
Mongabay Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship Details
The Y. Eva Tan Fellowship is specifically designed to bridge the gap for “budding” journalists who want to build a career in conservation reporting but lack the platform or mentorship. Unlike many other grants, this is a remote internship-style fellowship that prioritizes training.
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Language Cohorts & Focus Areas
For 2026, Mongabay is hosting 34 fellows across the following bureaus:
- English (Global): 16 fellows (5 specifically focused on Oceans in Southeast Asia).
- Spanish (Mongabay Latam): 6 fellows.
- Indonesian (Mongabay Indonesia): 6 fellows.
- Portuguese (Global): 6 fellows.
Eligibility Criteria for the Mongabay Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship
- Geography: You must be from a tropical country classified as low, lower-middle, or upper-middle income by the World Bank.
- Note: Residents of “High-income” tropical countries (e.g., Singapore, Australia) are not eligible.
- Career Stage: You must be an “aspiring” or “early-career” journalist.
- Education: No specific degree or university affiliation is required.
- Commitment: Ability to work 10 hours/week remotely.
Application Requirements for the Mongabay Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship
To apply, you must prepare the following three documents:
- Resume: 1–2 pages maximum.
- Cover Letter: 1 page maximum. It must explicitly answer:
- How does environmental journalism fit into your career goals?
- Why should Mongabay select you?
- Writing Sample: One journalistic piece (published or unpublished). It should ideally be related to the environment or conservation to show your “beat” potential.
Judging Criteria
- Interest in environmental journalism as a long-term career.
- Basic understanding of how to structure a news story.
- Proven communication skills and ability to meet deadlines.
How to Apply for the Mongabay Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship (Step-by-Step)
To apply for the 2026-2028 cycle, you must complete the online application form and upload three specific documents. Note: Applications that do not follow these length and formatting guidelines will be disqualified.
Step 1: Prepare Your Resume
- Length: 1–2 pages maximum.
- Content: Highlight any writing experience, volunteer work in conservation, or communication skills. Since no degree is required, focus on your “demonstrated interest” in the environment.
Step 2: Write Your Cover Letter
- Length: 1 page maximum.
- Mandatory Questions: Your letter must answer these two questions specifically:
- How does environmental journalism fit into your career goals?
- Why should Mongabay select you for this fellowship?
Tip: Be specific about the “Language Bureau” you are applying for (English, Spanish, Indonesian, or Portuguese).
Step 3: Select Your Writing Sample
- Format: One (1) sample in a journalistic style (news story, feature, etc.).
- Status: It can be published or unpublished.
- Topic: It should reflect your best work and skills, preferably related to conservation or the environment.
Step 4: Submit via the Portal
- Navigate to the Mongabay Fellowship page.
- Fill out the basic contact information.
- Upload your documents (PDF format is usually safest for preserving formatting).
- Language Rule: For the English-language program, all materials must be submitted in English.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this fellowship full-time?
No. It is designed to be part-time (10 hours/week), allowing you to balance it with studies or other part-time work.
2. Can I apply if my country isn’t in the tropics?
No. The fellowship is strictly for residents of tropical countries within the specified World Bank income brackets.
3. Do I need to have been published before?
Not necessarily. You can submit an unpublished writing sample as long as it is written in a journalistic style (news, feature, or op-ed).
4. What kind of stories will I write?
You will work on conservation-related news, ranging from illegal logging and wildlife trafficking to climate adaptation and ocean health.
5. Can I apply for the English cohort if my native language is Spanish?
Yes, as long as you can submit all materials and work effectively in English.
6. Is the $500 monthly stipend enough to live on?
The stipend is intended as a supporting grant for 10 hours of work per week, rather than a full-time salary.
7. Will I get a job at Mongabay after?
While not guaranteed, many Mongabay fellows have gone on to become regular contributors or staff members at Mongabay and other major environmental outlets.
8. Does the writing sample have to be in English?
For the English-language program, all materials—including the writing sample—must be in English.
9. What is the “Southeast Asia Oceans” focus?
This is a specific track within the English cohort for those interested in reporting on marine conservation, overfishing, and coastal ecosystems in the SE Asia region.
10. Can I apply after the February 1st deadline?
No. Late applications or those that do not follow the formatting guidelines (e.g., resume over 2 pages) will be disqualified.
