As the 2024 elections draw near, many voters are making decisions in a markedly changed America still reeling from the impact of COVID. Research suggests that it’s no coincidence communities of color were hardest hit by COVID, and local journalists have worked overtime to amplify the stories that have emerged from the rubble. Despite the fervor around national politics, it’s local changes that affect people most. Good journalists are needed to report on equitable community development – the policies and programs that determine how investments are made in communities.

Who decides where these resources are going in your newsroom’s region, and what gets supported – whether affordable housing, green spaces, small businesses, or something else? To help journalists connect the dots between policy, public and private financing and calls for equitable housing, parks and other assets, the National Press Foundation will hold the Covering Equitable Community Development journalism fellowship in Missoula, Montana, October 7-10.

NPF will gather experts from the health equity, nonprofit and policy sectors, financing and community organizing spaces to help journalists add context and breadth to their coverage of community development issues. Topics to be explored may include:

• How financing and investing institutions such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), philanthropic impact investors, private banks, and other investors prioritize investments in community-driven projects or investment funds;
• How policymakers and public officials can actively include residents in decision-making about how communities are financed and developed and hold the community development sector accountable for anti-racist practices;
• What conditions lead to healthier, more equitable communities with access to affordable housing, education, nutritious food, health care, etc.
• Environmental justice as a community development issue.

The purpose of the four-day expenses-paid program is to equip journalists to better investigate pervasive racial gaps and the policies and investments in their own backyards related to health, wealth and overall community wellbeing. Home to active Indigenous organizations and health initiatives focused on small and mid-sized cities, Missoula will allow for an immersive exploration into community development issues, especially for journalists who cover race and metro beats.

View of Missoula from Mount Sentinel, in Missoula, Montana

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Sept. 2, 2024.

This competitive fellowship is open to all U.S.-based journalists working in print, TV, radio or online media. We greatly value diversity in all our programs and applicants from across the nation are encouraged to apply. Fellows must also verify their COVID vaccination status.

The foundation will cover airfare, hotel and most meals.

Applicants must submit a letter of support from their editors, which includes permission to refrain from other work duties Oct. 7-10 to attend all Missoula-based sessions.

This fellowship is sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The National Press Foundation is solely responsible for programming and content.

Confirmed speakers will be included here in the coming weeks.