Best Grants for Journalism in Michigan

Michigan journalism organizations, especially nonprofits, can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to support independent, nonpartisan investigative reporting on key issues in the Great Lakes region. Grants may fund projects, reporting positions, local and community news efforts, nonprofit journalism network strengthening, and programs for early-career journalists, particularly journalists of color.

Michigan journalism and civic organizations working on voting rights, fair representation, or census data accuracy can access funding through the Joyce Foundation for research, policy development, litigation, and public engagement. Grants of US $25,000 - US $125,000 support projects influencing state and local public policy in Great Lakes states, including Michigan, with a focus on equitable democratic participation.

The AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism

Prize Summary

The AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism was established by the AACR in 2015 to raise awareness of the critical role that the media play in educating the public about cancer and cancer research.

Funded by a major bequest to the AACR from cancer research pioneer Dr. June L. Biedler, a scientist, mentor, and former member of the AACR Board of Directors, this prize showcases outstanding examples of cancer journalism and recognizes individual professional journalists who have produced accurate, informative, and compelling stories that enhance the public’s understanding of cancer, cancer research, cancer advocacy, or cancer policy.

The prize provides an unrestricted cash award of $5,000 and a commemorative award.

Categories

Each submission may be considered for only one category, as selected by the candidate on the application form.

Applicants may submit in any of the following categories:

Prize Acceptance

Awardees will be able to accept the prize during the AACR Annual Meeting 2027 in Orlando, April 2-7, 2027.

Columbus Matrix Foundation Scholarship

Since the early days of print journalism, The Association for Women in Communications has evolved to become the overarching professional organization to unite communicators across a vast spectrum of disciplines-from print and broadcast journalism, to graphic design, photography, public relations, advertising, marketing, new media, and much more.

Award Amount:

• Up to four scholarships of $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per academic year.

Alpha Chapter Controlling Corp. of the Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship awards to deserving high school students who plan to attend an accredited college or university and undertake studies in marketing, communications, journalism, or advertising.

Award Amount:

• The Gene “Duke” Perry Scholarship - $3,000.00
• The Founders Scholarship - $1,500.00
• The Founders Scholarship - $1,500.00

We are about helping children, right here in Marietta!

Kiwanis Club of Marietta members participate in service projects, hold fundraisers, and change children’s lives in our community. In addition, club members contribute to Kiwanis International initiatives helping clubs around the world assist children with education, basic needs, and medical care.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta was chartered March 3, 1930 - Marietta, GA.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta has proudly established and contributed to several scholarship endowments over the years to support deserving college students in our community. These scholarships are made possible through our club's Flag Project, which places over 1,300 American flags in front of homes and businesses five times each year.

Bill “Scoop” Kinney Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2006 by the Marietta Kiwanis Foundation in honor of Mr. Bill Kinney, the Senior Associate Editor of the Marietta Daily Journal. 

Selection emphasis will be placed on academic performance with priority given to current or former Cobb or Marietta.

Awards

• $2500

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Journalism Education Fund

Must be enrolled in a program with a major in Journalism.

College-bound or current students from Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools pursuing journalism, writing, media, music, history, or related fields can receive scholarship support through Stark Community Foundation. This renewable award offers more than US $500 based on financial need and may benefit Michigan-focused journalism students who meet these specific school and field criteria.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in journalism, literature, communication, or related fields at accredited U.S. institutions can receive need-based tuition support through this fellowship, including those from Michigan. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help eligible Tribal members and verified descendants cover academic-year costs based on institutional financial aid information.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) Seventh-day Adventist publications, universities, academies, and independent media covering Adventist issues can receive funding for journalism projects, including travel, technology, stipends, training, and major reporting. Versacare supports ethical Adventist-focused journalism, and Michigan organizations meeting these criteria may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $15,000 awarded each March and September.

Journalism outlets and freelance reporters producing U.S. health care affordability coverage can apply for the National Institute for Health Care Management Television and Audio Journalism Award, including those serving Michigan audiences. With a mission to spotlight impactful reporting, the foundation provides a US $20,000 prize for outstanding television, audio, streaming, or podcast work that informs key health stakeholders.

Local journalism outlets in Michigan producing stories on U.S. health care affordability and access can apply for the National Institute for Health Care Management Local Media Award, which offers a US $15,000 prize. Eligible entries include locally focused newspaper, magazine, or nonprofit news pieces or series published in 2025.

Journalism outlets and nonprofit news organizations in Michigan and nationwide can apply for NIHCM Foundation’s Investigative and General Reporting Award, offering US $20,000 for outstanding health care reporting. Grants from NIHCM Foundation help journalism projects that advance new insights on U.S. health care affordability, access, and quality for policymakers, health plans, and consumers.

Journalists and specialty publications in Michigan covering U.S. health care affordability and access can apply for the NIHCM Foundation Trade Journalism Award, which offers US $15,000 for outstanding reporting. Eligible entries are 2025 stories or series for specialty audiences that provide new insights for health plans, policymakers, and related stakeholders.

Journalists and media professionals in Michigan covering forestry and natural resources can receive more than US $500 through the Outstanding Forestry Journalism Award for impactful reporting. Society of American Foresters offers an honorarium, convention registration, and travel support for print, television, radio stories, documentaries, or books that advance public understanding of forestry issues.

Students interested in journalism who can provide samples of their journalistic work may be eligible for scholarship support that can benefit those in Michigan and beyond. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region offers the Gene Robb Journalism Scholarship, recognizing the former Times Union publisher’s contributions and helping high school and college students pursue higher education in journalism.

High school seniors interested in journalism and needing financial assistance can access scholarship support through the Michael Hurewitz Scholarship. With a mission to empower meaningful giving, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region provides funding for Greater Capital Region students pursuing higher education in journalism, which may benefit those exploring journalism pathways similar to programs in Michigan.

Journalists and media outlets producing investigative or commentary work can receive monthly recognition and US $1,000 awards from the Sidney Hillman Foundation for pieces published in the U.S., including Michigan. Focused on journalism that advances social justice and the common good, all mediums are eligible and nominations may be submitted by creators or others.

Michigan journalists covering technology and society can access funding through the Omidyar Network Fund’s Tech Journalism Fund; awards US $5,000 - US $25,000 for intensive reporting projects. Freelancers, staff reporters, editors, and teams based in the U.S. may receive support for travel, research, data access, fact-checking, multimedia, and reporting time.

Michigan institutions serving K-12 students and educators with large-scale global health education projects can access funding through the Pulitzer Center; awards up to US $1,500 support initiatives using Pulitzer-supported journalism. Eligible applicants include schools, libraries, museums, community centers, bookstores, and afterschool organizations that reach at least 500 learners and explore journalism’s role in public health.

Michigan journalism students pursuing college or graduate studies can access funding through Maine Community Foundation for majors in journalism or closely related media fields. Awards range from US $1,000 - US $60,000 and are renewable, but applicants must be graduates of Maine high schools or home-schooled in a Maine community.

Students pursuing creative writing from Chelan or Douglas County in Washington can receive scholarship support for high school or higher education studies, including journalism. Grants from Community Foundation of North Central Washington help eligible writers with at least a 3.0 GPA who submit an original short writing sample and describe their chosen writing focus, such as novels, poetry, or journalism.

Students pursuing journalism or communications degrees can receive tuition and education expense support through the Express-News Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund, open to residents of specified South Texas counties attending accredited U.S. colleges full-time. With a mission to build community, San Antonio Area Foundation provides renewable scholarships that may benefit future journalists beyond Michigan as well.

Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in journalism, media studies, or related writing fields in the U.S., including Michigan, can receive US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support their studies. Islamic Scholarship Fund provides Michigan journalism students with scholarships plus mentorship and career support to advance American Muslim representation in media and public discourse.

The Robert Sr. and Mary Churchwell Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Robert Churchwell, Sr., a pioneering African American journalist, and Mary Elizabeth Buckingham Churchwell, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports journalism students who demonstrate commitment and excellence in their field. Eligible candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and submit an essay on the role of journalism today. The fund aims to empower future journalists to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

The San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Journalism or Communications. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students from specific Texas counties or those attending schools in San Antonio. The scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities and promote diversity in media, helping students achieve their career goals in the communications field.

About

Building a community of journalists committed to better health care reporting.

We believe accurate, contextual and balanced health care reporting is more important than ever.

People depend on health care stories to make life-altering decisions every day.

Awards, Grants, & Fellowships

Ambitious freelancers who want to tackle an in-depth reporting project often find that the fee from a potential publisher doesn’t come close to covering their costs and time. Grants and fellowships can fill that gap, but freelancers have to know about them in order to apply. In this section, the Freelance Center is compiling a list of non-AHCJ grants, fellowships and awards (for when the hard work is done).

Sunshine Award

Presented by AHCJ’s Right-to-Know Committee

AHCJ’s Right-to-Know Committee established the Sunshine Award at Health Journalism 2026 as a way to elevate the work of journalists like STAT’s Bob Herman who fight for government transparency. We plan to continue this tradition annually from now on. Award winners receive free registration and a one-night hotel stay for our annual conference, a free year of AHCJ membership, a trophy and a certificate.