The Curve Fellowship for Emerging Journalists

The Curve Fellowship for Emerging Journalists was created to recognize and support emerging journalistic writers who are focused on raising the visibility of LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people. Emerging is defined here as those who began working in journalism between three to ten years ago. Standout recipients do so by telling the stories and elevating the voices of lesbians, queer women, trans people, and nonbinary people. 

Through the support of The Curve Foundation, recipients of the Fellowship receive a $5,000 cash award, an NLGJA mentor for their cohort year and a complimentary one-year NLGJA membership. Airfare, hotel accommodations, and convention registration for the NLGJA26 National Convention in San Francisco, September 10–13, are also covered.

 

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to lesbians, queer women, trans women and nonbinary people based in the United States.

Applicants do not need to be a member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists to apply.

Fellowship Components and Requirements

As part of the fellowship, fellows will receive:

  • A $5,000 cash award from The Curve Foundation

  • One-year complimentary membership to NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists

  • Complimentary registration for the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Convention

  • A stipend provided to cover the costs of attending the convention, including travel and lodging

  • An opportunity to gather at the convention and meet the rest of the cohort

  • A professional mentor selected by The Curve Foundation in conjunction with NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists

  • Quarterly scheduled meetings with fellowship mentors and the cohort of fellows for brainstorming, feedback sharing, and support

  • An article or project published within Curve magazine or on the Curve Foundation’s social media accounts

Requirements of the Fellowship

Curve Fellows are required to: 

  • Attend the entirety of the NLGJA26 Convention in San Francisco September 10-13. 
  • Contribute an article or project published within the Curve Magazine or on the Curve Foundation’s social media accounts during their cohort year. 
  • Meet with their mentors monthly. 
  • Attend each of the four quarterly cohort meetings over the program year.

Please note that if you are unable to attend the entire convention from September 10-13, you will not be able to participate in the fellowship. 

    Timeline

    Applications Open: March 16

    Applications Close: April 20

    Fellows Selected: May 2026

    Fellows Announced: June 2026

    NLGJA26 Convention in San Francisco: September 10-13

    Application Requirements

    Applicants may nominate themselves or be nominated by another individual.

    To apply, applicants must complete the nomination form.

    Applicants should provide three work samples, which can be any written or broadcast piece produced by the applicant that illustrates their quality and style of work (may be in the form of pdf, web link, Dropbox/Vimeo link, etc).

    Shared Accountabilities

    The Curve Foundation commits to the following in stewardship of the cohort experience:

    • Ongoing communication with NLGJA
    • Ample opportunities for the cohort to share feedback on the program with the Curve team, with room for adjustment
    • Amplification of awardees’ writing and external-facing work
    • A safe and inclusive collaborative environment

    The Foundation asks the following from those enrolled in the cohort experience:

    • Attend each cohort meeting and give prior notice of emergency absences
    • Come to the cohort with a learning stance
    • Prepare for and engage with the skill-building opportunities
    • Lead with empathy, anti-racism and inclusion