2026 Alicia C. Shepard Legacy Fellowship

Alicia “Lisa” Cobb Shepard believed in asking difficult questions, taking chances, and helping others find their voice. An award-winning journalist, author, educator, and mentor, she devoted her career to examining how journalism serves the public—and how it could do better. 

As NPR’s ombudsman, media critic, and author, Lisa explored questions of fairness, accuracy, accountability, and the people and institutions behind journalism’s defining moments. She was equally passionate about mentoring the next generation of journalists. 

For more than a decade, Lisa mentored students through the Washington Association of Black Journalists’ Urban Journalism Workshop, helping young journalists develop their reporting skills, confidence, and sense of purpose. She believed a stronger, more diverse news industry required both better journalism and greater opportunity for talented people to thrive. 

The Alicia C. Shepard Legacy Fellowship carries that commitment forward by supporting journalists who embody Lisa’s curiosity, courage, dignity, respect, passion, and a hefty dose of badassness to pursue meaningful work even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. 

Grants of up to $3,500 will be awarded to support reporting projects or professional development opportunities, through a competitive application process. This opportunity is open to women and nonbinary journalists of all nationalities. We encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds including socioeconomic, educational and other diverse perspectives to apply. 

Please note applications will only be accepted in English. 

Grants will support:

• Ambitious reporting and storytelling that pursues stories that need to be told, including work that challenges conventional narratives, addresses wrongdoing or inequity, or explores difficult or uncomfortable subjects. Reporting can be conducted in any language.
• Professional development, and career-building opportunities that help journalists develop their skills, expand their networks, and pursue ambitious work. This may include training, workshops, conferences, registration fees, and related travel expenses.
• Opportunities that promote diversity in journalism and help talented journalists from underrepresented backgrounds enter, remain, and advance in the news industry.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant’s primary profession must be journalism. Applications will be accepted from freelance and staff journalists.
• Applicants must have 3+ years of professional journalism experience outside of internships.

Deadline: Monday, January 11, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST. 

The IWMF expects to inform grant recipients by late - February 2027. If you are experiencing any accessibility issues with the application process, please contact programs@iwmf.org.