African Philanthropy Media Fellowship Cohort 2

Applications are now open for the African Philanthropy Media Fellowship Cohort 2, a six week virtual fellowship designed to equip emerging African journalists, media practitioners, storytellers, and social impact content creators with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to report accurately and compellingly on African led philanthropy and development.

The fellowship is organized by Philanthropy Circuit, an organization focused on shaping narratives and catalyzing action around African philanthropy and development. The programme responds to the need for stronger African led narratives that move beyond conventional portrayals of development and instead highlight African actors, solutions, communities, institutions, and forms of giving.

Through the fellowship, participants will strengthen their understanding of Africa’s philanthropy ecosystem while developing practical skills in storytelling, data driven reporting, ethical journalism, and impact communication. Fellows will work with experienced facilitators and practitioners and receive guidance as they develop stories that can contribute to a broader understanding of African philanthropy.

About the Fellowship

The African Philanthropy Media Fellowship is built around the theme “Beyond Aid: Reporting African Led Philanthropy.” The programme encourages media professionals to look beyond traditional narratives about aid and development and examine the many ways Africans are already contributing resources, ideas, leadership, and solutions to social and economic challenges.

The fellowship provides participants with a stronger understanding of Africa’s philanthropy ecosystem, including the actors, institutions, models, and narratives shaping giving and social impact across the continent. Fellows also learn how to identify meaningful stories and communicate them in ways that are accurate, engaging, ethical, and relevant to African audiences.

A central part of the programme is practical storytelling. Participants are expected to apply the knowledge gained during the fellowship to produce stories that amplify African narratives, actors, and solutions. The programme therefore provides an opportunity to strengthen both professional knowledge and a practical media portfolio.

The fellowship builds on the experience of its inaugural cohort, whose participants have gone on to produce stories exploring community philanthropy, dignity, climate action, development, and African approaches to social impact. Alumni have also continued to use their storytelling skills to highlight solutions and perspectives that are often overlooked in conventional development reporting.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will receive:

• Six weeks of structured virtual training.

• Practical training in African philanthropy and development reporting.

• Mentorship from experienced media and philanthropy practitioners.

• Editorial guidance and feedback on storytelling projects.

• Training in practical storytelling techniques.

• Training in data driven reporting.

• Guidance on ethical reporting and responsible storytelling.

• Opportunities to produce publishable stories.

• Opportunities to have stories published through Philanthropy Circuit and partner platforms.

• Exposure to African philanthropy actors, models, and narratives.

• Opportunities to build professional connections across Africa’s philanthropy ecosystem.

• A stronger portfolio of journalism, storytelling, or social impact communication work.

• A network of fellow journalists, storytellers, media practitioners, and social impact communicators.

Fellowship Areas

The African Philanthropy Media Fellowship focuses on several areas related to media, philanthropy, and development communication, including:

• African led philanthropy.

• African philanthropy ecosystems.

• Development reporting.

• Impact storytelling.

• Data driven reporting.

• Ethical journalism.

• Community philanthropy.

• African narratives and representation.

• Social impact communication.

• Storytelling for development.

• Research based journalism.

• Solutions focused reporting.

• Human centered storytelling.

Participants will also explore how stories can challenge narrow representations of Africa and bring greater attention to African actors, communities, institutions, initiatives, and solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the African Philanthropy Media Fellowship Cohort 2 should meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be African.

• Early career African journalists are encouraged to apply.

• Media practitioners can apply.

• Storytellers can apply.

• Social impact content creators can apply.

• Applicants should have a strong interest in African philanthropy and development.

• Applicants should be interested in producing accurate and compelling stories about African led philanthropy.

• Applicants should be willing to participate actively throughout the six week virtual programme.

• Applicants should have an interest in strengthening their storytelling, reporting, or media skills.

The fellowship is intended particularly for emerging professionals who want to develop stronger expertise at the intersection of African philanthropy, development, journalism, and storytelling.

Required Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide information about:

• Personal and professional background.

• Journalism, media, storytelling, or content creation experience.

• Interest in African philanthropy and development.

• Motivation for joining the fellowship.

• Relevant previous storytelling or reporting work.

• Areas of African philanthropy or social impact that they would like to explore.

• Examples of previous work where requested in the application.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a clear interest in telling African stories with accuracy, context, dignity, and a focus on African agency.

Selection Criteria

Important considerations include:

• Interest in African led philanthropy and development.

• Potential to produce meaningful and compelling stories.

• Experience or demonstrated interest in journalism, media, storytelling, or content creation.

• Commitment to ethical and accurate reporting.

• Interest in amplifying African voices, actors, and solutions.

• Motivation to strengthen professional storytelling skills.

• Willingness to participate actively in training, mentorship, and fellowship activities.

Applicants with emerging experience are encouraged to apply because the programme is designed to help participants strengthen their skills and develop their capacity to report on African philanthropy more effectively.

How to Apply

1. Review the African Philanthropy Media Fellowship Cohort 2 requirements and confirm that your background and interests align with the programme.
2. Consider your experience in journalism, media, storytelling, content creation, research, or social impact communication.
3. Prepare information about your professional background and your interest in African philanthropy and development.
4. Identify relevant examples of your previous storytelling, journalism, or content creation work.
5. Complete the African Philanthropy Media Fellowship Cohort 2 online application form.
6. Clearly explain your motivation for joining the fellowship and how the programme will strengthen your work.
7. Review your application carefully and ensure that all required information and work samples have been provided.