Founded by Sonia Weiser via GoFundMe on May 31, 2020, the Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund is designed to provide financial assistance for Black journalists facing financial hardship who are unable to pay for the mental health support they need. In June 2020, the BJTRF teamed up with the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) to expand the Fund’s reach and continue supporting Black journalists.
 

While publications ask Black journalists — both freelance and full-time staff members — to put their lives at risk to report on racial injustices and embed themselves within the protests, they rarely provide resources for these same journalists to process the trauma incurred both on the job and in daily life. BJTRF will consider supporting Black journalists globally who:
 

1. have journalism as a primary profession; 
2. were laid off/furloughed or quit due to harmful workplace practices; 
3. OR are former journalists suffering from lasting emotional or physical trauma from your time in the field.  
    

As of June 2024, we can only support Black women, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming journalists through this program. Please note that funds are limited and we are actively fundraising to support this program long-term. We apologize for any delays in response or fund distribution.

If you are experiencing any accessibility issues with the application process, please contact info@iwmf.org.