Best Grants for Journalism in Wisconsin

The Joyce Foundation's Journalism Grants support independent, nonpartisan reporting to address critical issues in the Great Lakes region. By investing in high-quality journalism, the Foundation aims to promote informed decision-making and strengthen community cohesion. Eligible applicants include nonprofit journalism organizations and projects that enhance local news and support early career journalists, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. The application process requires advance planning, with funding decisions made quarterly.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

Ocean State Media Scholarship

The scholarship offers awards to residents of Ocean State Media’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of journalism and/or media.

Scholarship Award Details

Established by Rhode Island PBS in 2017, the Ocean State Media Scholarship offers awards to residents of the station’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of journalism and/or media. Awards of up to $15,000 will be awarded annually and are renewable for an additional three years.

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

Jonathan Little Scholarship Fund

The scholarship assists Division of Communication junior classmen from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point who have a focus in media studies.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

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.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools planning to enroll, or currently enrolled, at an accredited college or university to pursue further education in the following fields: History, Writing (not limited to, English, Journalism, Language Arts, Communications and programs in Mass Media), Graphic Arts, Music (which shall include but not limited to, vocal music, instrumental music, music history, music education, and music performance) and any other program or field of study approved by the Selection Committee. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Katrin Lamon Fellowship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Katrin Lamon.

The purpose of the Katrin Lamon Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in literature, communication, journalism, or other related fields.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

We are an independent foundation which has been serving Seventh-day Adventist ministries and a select few other humanitarian efforts with financial grants since 1990. We are a self-funded lay organization, and our board is comprised of both lay Adventists and present and former Adventist church employees, all committed to furthering the Kingdom of God and to restoring the “image of God” in those in need. 

Mission

It is the purpose of Versacare Foundation to serve humanity by engaging in activities that will further the kingdom of God and restore the Image of God in man. We believe that this fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus urges us to emphasize human health and dignity and the search for knowledge.

Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) 

Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) grants aim to promote ethical reporting and diverse storytelling by encouraging integrity, creativity, and journalistic excellence in Adventist communication through targeted grant funding. 

The JAS grant application is open year-round, with funds awarded annually each March and September.

Project Priorities

• Systemic issues in Adventism that demand investigation and fresh thinking
• Journalists and media organizations producing major stories on vital issues related to Adventism
• New ways to communicate the diverse Adventist-related stories of what God is doing
• Awards and recognition to celebrate journalistic achievements and foster a culture of excellence in ethical storytelling
• Evaluation methods to maintain accountability and ethics in Adventist communication
• Courses, workshops, and mentorship programs to enhance journalist skills, ethics, and innovative practices in Adventist communication
• Travel, technology, stipends and honoraria as relevant to the project request
• Other projects similar to the above

Applicants must agree to provide a post-grant report, including a full financial accounting of how JAS monies were used and agree to be audited if requested.

The NIHCM Foundation's Television and Audio Journalism Award honors outstanding television and audio reporting that contributes to enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in the U.S. With a prize of $20,000, the award seeks entries that showcase creativity and originality while providing new insights relevant to health plans, policymakers, and consumers. Eligible entries include stories broadcasted in 2025, focusing on critical healthcare issues.

The NIHCM Foundation's Local Media Award honors outstanding local journalism that enhances understanding of health care issues in the U.S. It aims to recognize reports that improve health care affordability, accessibility, and quality. A $15,000 prize is awarded to the winner. Eligible entries must be published in 2025 and focus on local markets, offering insights relevant to health plans and policymakers. This award encourages innovative reporting that addresses the complexities of the health care system.

The NIHCM Foundation Investigative and General Reporting Award honors outstanding reporting that enhances understanding of U.S. health care affordability and quality. A $20,000 prize is awarded to the winner, with entries evaluated for quality, originality, and impact. Eligible submissions include stories published in 2025 from national outlets, focusing on insightful reporting that informs health care policymakers and consumers about rising costs and access solutions.

The NIHCM Foundation's Trade Journalism Award honors outstanding reporting aimed at specialty audiences, focusing on enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in the U.S. A $15,000 prize will be awarded to the winner. Entries, which can be individual stories or series published in 2025, must provide valuable insights relevant to health plans, policymakers, and stakeholders, addressing the critical issues of rising healthcare costs and access.

The Outstanding Forestry Journalism Award recognizes exceptional journalistic work that enhances public understanding of forestry and natural resources. Open to all journalists, it encourages submissions in various formats, including articles, documentaries, and ongoing coverage. The award offers a $500 honorarium, complimentary SAF convention registration, and up to $500 for travel expenses. This initiative highlights the crucial role of effective communication in promoting sustainable forestry practices and educating the public about environmental issues.

The V.I. Minahan Journalism Scholarship, established in 2004 by Marilee Minahan in honor of her late husband, supports aspiring journalists. Two awards of $2,000 each are available for students pursuing degrees in Multimedia Journalism, Advertising, or Public Relations at UW-Oshkosh, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.75. This scholarship celebrates Vic Minahan's legacy as a dedicated publisher and veteran, fostering new talent in the field of journalism.

The Gene Robb Journalism Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, recognizes the significant contributions of former Times Union publisher Gene Robb to journalism. It is designed for students with a demonstrated interest in journalism, requiring them to submit samples of their work. This scholarship supports both high school and college students aiming to excel in the field, empowering them to pursue their educational goals.

The Michael Hurewitz Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors in the region who have a passion for journalism and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing them the necessary financial assistance to pursue their educational goals in journalism, fostering the next generation of storytellers and communicators in our community.

The Sidney Awards, presented by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, celebrate outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Established to honor Sidney Hillman’s legacy, these monthly awards recognize investigative work and commentary that promote social justice. Nominations for the awards can be submitted for any medium, with a winner announced each month, receiving a $500 honorarium and a certificate. This initiative has been a prestigious platform for impactful storytelling for over 65 years.

The Tech Journalism Fund, established by Omidyar Network, aims to support U.S.-based journalists with project funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. It prioritizes reporting that explores the intersection of technology and society, particularly in areas like AI regulation, investigative journalism in tech, and the impact of AI on families. This initiative seeks to empower journalists tackling critical issues in today's digital landscape.

The K-12 Education Grant Program by the Pulitzer Center invites innovative educational projects that use journalism to engage K-12 students and educators in global health issues. Selected proposals, aiming to impact at least 500 individuals, will be refined through workshops for a chance to secure $1,500 grants for implementation in spring 2026. This initiative seeks to enhance understanding and inspire sustainable change within communities.

The Guy P. Gannett Journalism Scholarship supports aspiring journalists through financial assistance based on need and academic merit. Students are selected for their commitment to journalism, demonstrated through coursework and activities. This scholarship, which ranges from $1,000 to $60,000, is renewable for students pursuing journalism or related fields, provided they are graduates from Maine high schools or homeschooled in Maine. Recipients are encouraged to show continued dedication to their journalism careers.

The Kathryn Lodge Mhatre Creative Writing Scholarship honors the memory of Kathryn Lodge Mhatre, a passionate writer and compassionate individual who tragically lost her battle with mental illness. Established by her parents, this scholarship supports students from Chelan or Douglas County pursuing creative writing. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide a writing sample, reflecting Kathryn's dedication to learning and her love for storytelling.

The Express-News Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Journalism or Communications. Open to high school seniors, current undergraduates, and graduate students from South Texas, it offers renewable funding for tuition, fees, and educational expenses. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA and be enrolled full-time in accredited institutions. Established in 1964, the fund aims to enhance educational opportunities and impact the community positively.

The ISF Media Scholarship Program, established by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports American Muslim students pursuing degrees in media-related fields. With scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the program aims to enhance Muslim representation in media and policy, counter negative portrayals, and foster positive narratives. Eligible applicants must be full-time students or working professionals in supported majors like media studies and journalism, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

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.