Media Grants: $16,000 available for journalism projects

9 September 2012
The Mental Health Foundation
For immediate release

Media Grants: $16,000 available for journalism projects
Applications now open. Closing date 5 November 2012

Applications are open for the 2012 NZ Mental Health Media Grants, which focus on increasing understanding and reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.

The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) welcomes project proposals from journalists, photojournalists and those freelancing in radio, TV, print and online media. Journalism and photojournalism students may also apply.

“This year we have $16,000 available for journalism projects,” MHF chief executive Judi Clements says. “The funding comes from two sponsors: a $10,000 grant thanks to the generous support of the Frozen Funds Charitable Trust; and a $6000 grant from the Mental Health Commission.”

Time to investigate and more fully explore a project idea is one of the benefits of being a NZ Mental Health Media Grant fellow.

Applicants have eight weeks to put forward proposals for journalism projects that increase understanding and reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. Project proposals need to be based in New Zealand and benefit New Zealanders.

“We’re anticipating a range of project proposals from radio and TV documentaries to feature articles and online articles,” Ms Clements says.

“We’ve had some exciting journalism projects over the past five years. Some – such as Amanda Cropp’s North and South feature No Refuge and Yvonne O’Hara’s newspaper supplement Down on the Farm – have received formal recognition and awards for the quality of their work.”

Ms Clements emphasises that unfortunately funding for creative projects is not available this year. “Unlike other years, we will not be able to accept applications for creative writing, art, music, poetry or theatre productions. If we can secure more funding we will reinstate those categories in future years.

All proposals are shortlisted and an independent selection panel is convened to consider the applications. Panellists include journalism experts and a mental health consumer representative. They look at the feasibility of the project, the experience and expertise of the applicant and whether they already have support to publish or broadcast the finished project. The project must be completed within 12 months and shared with a wide audience.

Applications close 5 November and recipients will be announced in mid-December.

Interested applicants can find out about the grants available, check the eligibility, criteria and guidelines, and download the application form by going to www.mediagrants.org.nz

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