Applications are now open for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism 2026–2027, a prestigious global fellowship supporting journalists committed to advancing high-quality, impactful reporting on mental health, substance use, and climate-related mental health issues.
Hosted by The Carter Center, this fellowship empowers experienced journalists to produce in-depth, ethical, and solutions-oriented journalism that informs public discourse, reduces stigma, and influences policy at national and global levels.
About the Fellowship
The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships were created to honor the legacy of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a lifelong advocate for mental health equity and care. The program supports both U.S.-based and international journalists, offering tailored fellowship tracks that respond to diverse global mental health challenges.
For the 2026–2027 cycle:
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U.S. journalists are eligible for the Rosalynn Carter Journalism Fellowships, focused on mental health and substance use reporting.
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International journalists are eligible for the Mental Health and Climate Change Fellowships, with preference given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries.
The fellowship is designed to be flexible—fellows are not required to leave their jobs and are supported while continuing their professional work.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows receive:
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Financial support to report and produce a major journalism project
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Access to expert mentorship and peer learning
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Expense-paid training meetings at The Carter Center in Atlanta
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Global visibility through The Carter Center’s platforms
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Opportunities to influence public understanding and policy on mental health
Fellows are required to attend two mandatory, expense-paid Fellowship Training Meetings, including the opening meeting scheduled for September 15–17, 2026, in Atlanta, USA.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Have at least three years of professional journalism experience (print, broadcast, digital, documentary, editing, or producing)
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Demonstrate a strong interest in mental health reporting
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Submit a well-defined project proposal aligned with the fellowship focus
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Provide letters of support, including a commitment from a media outlet to publish or broadcast the project
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Submit a complete application by the deadline
Previous mental health reporting experience is not required, though commitment to covering mental health beyond the fellowship year is strongly encouraged.
Application Timeline
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Applications Open: January 30, 2026
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Application Deadline: April 3, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)
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Mandatory Fellowship Meeting: September 15–17, 2026
How to Apply
U.S. Applicants (Rosalynn Carter Journalism Fellowships):
https://wp.me/p23f03-iTB
International Applicants (Mental Health and Climate Change Fellowships):
https://wp.me/p23f03-iTB
For questions, applicants may contact: carterfellows@cartercenter.org
Visit the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships website for more details.
Discover More Fellowship Opportunities here.
