If you are a filmmaker, lawyer, investigative journalist, or activist committed to safeguarding democratic values, the Bertha Challenge Fellowship 2026 offers a rare opportunity. Applications are now open to those whose work confronts the critical question of our time: How is the alliance between corporations and governments undermining the rule of law, civil rights, and press freedom? How can we take action to strengthen democratic oversight and accountability?
This fellowship is not just about funding—it provides time, support, and a global platform to develop a focused project that tackles these urgent issues head-on. From deep investigative films to legal campaigns or journalistic exposés, the Bertha Challenge seeks creative work that challenges oppressive structures and promotes transparency.
What the Bertha Challenge Fellowship Offers
Participants in the Bertha Challenge receive comprehensive support over the course of one year:
- Full-time Stipend
Fellows receive a salary of up to USD 64,900, aligned with what they would earn in a professional role within their host organization. - Project Production Funding
Each fellow is granted USD 10,000 to create a major work—whether that is a documentary, investigative report, public interest lawsuit, or multimedia campaign with a clear target audience. - Collaboration Grant
A USD 5,000 Connect Fund is available to promote joint efforts between fellows, amplifying impact through collective action. - Mentorship and Peer Support
Regular virtual check-ins with Bertha staff and fellow cohort members provide feedback, encouragement, and shared problem-solving. - Global Fellowship Gathering
All fellows come together at the start of the program to connect, plan, and prepare as a unified cohort before returning home to execute their projects.
Who Is the Fellowship For?
The Bertha Challenge welcomes applications from creative professionals and advocates working anywhere in the world, provided they:
- Are fluent in English, both spoken and written
- Can complete and present their final work in English
Ideal candidates include:
| Profession | Role of Fellow |
|---|---|
| Filmmakers | Create documentaries or investigative short films |
| Lawyers | Lead public interest litigation or strategic cases |
| Journalists | Produce major investigative reports |
| Activists | Develop campaigns, multimedia activism, or arts-led installations |
It is expected that fellows work full-time on their project within their home country, maintaining a strong local context and community connection.
Fellowship Responsibilities
During the year-long program, fellows will:
- Work intensively on their project
- Attend an initial in-person gathering to build relationships and share ideas
- Produce a final body of work that directly addresses the fellowship theme
- Participate in two virtual group sessions each month, taking turns to facilitate discussions
- Use their Connect Fund to collaborate with at least one fellow to enhance their project’s reach or support system
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must be:
- Practicing professionals in one of the designated fields
- Primarily fluent in English and able to create work in English
- Able to commit to full-time work and attendance at the initial gathering
Applicants should submit:
- A completed online application
- A resume or CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Contact information for 2–4 referees
- A letter of support or terms of engagement from a proposed host organization, confirming salary and benefits
- Samples of previous work relevant to the fellowship theme
Applications are being accepted through July 28, 2025. Final selection is based on professional merit, relevance to the theme, and potential for impact.
Why the Fellowship Matters
This program brings together creative and legal minds focused on exposing and resisting systemic threats to democracy. Fellows benefit from:
- Financial stability that allows dedicated time for deep research, production, or legal strategy
- A focused and collaborative international cohort
- Tools to distribute work and reach key audiences—whether through film festivals, media outlets, courtrooms, or public spaces
- The chance to create work that contributes to public awareness, litigation, policy changes, or civic empowerment
The real impact of the fellowship lies in real-world change: fighters for justice may win court cases, expose wrongdoing, spark debates, or inspire civic action.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
- Start with the central question: identify a specific instance of government-corporate collusion that threatens rights. Define who is affected, what you plan to do, and what you hope to achieve.
- Clearly outline what your final output will be—specify format, audience, distribution plan, and measurable goals.
- Provide evidence of past work in your field and any relevant achievements or recognition.
- Explain your support system and how your host organization will enable your work.
- Demonstrate your connections to your community and why your project matters on a local or global level.
Final Thought
The Bertha Challenge Fellowship 2026 is a rare chance for demanding research, storytelling, and legal work that holds power to account. If you are deeply committed to a democratic future and ready to turn a year of focus into lasting change, this fellowship will equip you with financial security, a global peer network, and the backing needed to produce game-changing work.
Apply by July 28, 2025, and take the next step in sustaining justice, transparency, and freedom through your craft. Your story could be the one that strengthens accountability in our world.
