Program

Apply now for the 2025 Lenfest Next Generation Fund

A program supporting Philadelphia-area journalists and students of color pursuing professional development opportunities 

March 3, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 Lenfest Next Generation Fund, a grant program which supports emerging Philadelphia-area journalists and students of color pursuing professional development opportunities.

The Lenfest Next Generation Fund provides support in two areas:  

• The Professional Development Track provides awards of up to $1,200 to support either attendance at a professional development activity of the awardee’s choice or the purchase of equipment used for professional activities. 

• The Internship Support Track provides funding up to $4,200 to support students and journalists while participating in unpaid internships. 

Emerging journalists or journalism students who reside in the Greater Philadelphia area and self-identify as a person of color are eligible to apply. Applications are open now through Friday, April 4 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.  

Apply now Apply now

The Lenfest Next Generation Fund aims to increase diversity in journalism. In-person networking events provide a stronger chance for journalists and students to create opportunities to grow professionally. 

“It is critically important that we continue to steadily invest in the next generation of journalists to ensure the industry thrives and all voices and perspectives are represented,” said Shawn Mooring, Lenfest Institute Head of Philadelphia Programs.  

Applicants can apply to either the Internship Support Track or the Professional Development Track. Preference will be given to first-time award recipients.  

To apply for the Professional Development Track, applicants must articulate: 

• Their growth potential and ability to share what they learn with others in the news ecosystem. 

• A clear vision of their career goals and how the professional development activity or the professional equipment will help them achieve their stated goals.  

Requirements for the Internship Support Track:  

• Applicants must have applied for and been accepted to an unpaid internship. 

• Applicants must either be from, attend school in, or be working in the Greater Philadelphia area. 

• Preference will be given to students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.  

• Preference will be given to first-time award recipients.  

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Samiya Green at [email protected]. 

How to apply 

Organizations who meet the eligibility requirements above may apply through the Institute’s Fluxx grantee portal.  To submit an application through Fluxx, please click here and create an account. An administrator will validate your account within 48 hours via email and send you a link to create a password for your grantee account. You can then access the grantee portal, where you will see a list of open applications. Click the “Apply Now” button under the grant opportunity labeled “Lenfest Next Generation Fund 2025.”