The Bertha Challenge Fellowship Program for Activists, Investigative Journalists, Filmmakers and Lawyers

The Bertha Foundation is excited to announce the 2026 Bertha Challenge, a call for applications from activists, investigative journalists, filmmakers, and lawyers. This year’s challenge focuses on the question:

"How is the collusion between governments and corporations driving the assault on the rule of law, civil rights, and a free press? How do we push back to protect democratic accountability?"

📝 About the Fellowship

The Bertha Challenge Fellowship is designed to support individuals working on projects that address critical global issues. The 2026 cohort introduces significant changes based on feedback from alumni to ensure a more impactful and collaborative experience.

Key Details

• Date Published: June 21, 2025
• Application Deadline: July 28, 2025
• Category: Fellowship
• Sponsor Organization: Bertha Foundation

🎥🎓 Who Should Apply?

The 2026 Bertha Challenge is open to:

Filmmakers

• Working on fact-based film projects addressing the 2026 Bertha Challenge question.
• Projects can be in any stage (research, shooting, scripting, editing, post-production, or rollout).
• Must demonstrate a non-extractive filmmaking approach rooted in the communities depicted.

Lawyers

• Engaged in bold, creative legal work that strengthens movement lawyering.
• Projects should support communities and movements, such as gathering testimonies, investigating issues, mapping legal strategies, or contributing to litigation.
• Priority will be given to projects developed in collaboration with grassroots organizations.

🌟 Fellowship Benefits

The Bertha Challenge provides Fellows with the resources, time, and support to focus on their projects.

Key Benefits

• Income: Up to USD 64,900 for one year, commensurate with the Fellow’s current or equivalent salary.
• Project Fund: Up to USD 10,000 to produce a culminating body of work.
• Connect Fund: Up to USD 5,000 to encourage collaboration between Fellows.
• Mentorship & Peer Support: Regular virtual check-ins with Bertha staff and a global community of Fellows and alumni.
• Network Development: Opportunities to connect with a diverse global cohort.
• Global Convening: An opening retreat at one of Bertha’s partnered global spaces to foster collaboration and refine project designs.

📋 Fellowship Requirements

Selected Fellows will:

• Work full-time for one year to deliver their Bertha Challenge project.
• Attend an in-person global convening at the start of the Fellowship.
• Participate in two virtual meetings per month and occasionally facilitate these meetings.
• Develop and deliver a culminating body of work that responds to the Bertha Challenge question.

🎯 Selection Criteria

The Bertha Foundation aims to select a diverse and inclusive cohort. Fellows will be evaluated based on:

• Individual Merit: Skills, networks, and potential for long-term impact.
• Cohort Complementarity: How their skills and work align with the group.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English and able to deliver their final work in English.

📅 Application Process

All applicants must submit the following:

1. A completed online application form.
2. A brief resume/CV (maximum 2 pages).
3. A list of 2-4 referees (name, relationship, and contact details).
4. A signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from the prospective host organization.
5. Examples of previous work.

📌 Important Dates

• Application Deadline: July 28, 2025
• Fellowship Launch: January 2026

🌐 Additional Information

For more details, visit the Bertha Challenge Fellowship Program page.

To apply, complete the application form.

This Fellowship is an incredible opportunity to contribute to meaningful change while collaborating with a global network of like-minded individuals. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the 2026 Bertha Challenge!

• Income for each Bertha Challenge Fellow for one year, not exceeding USD 64,900 and commensurate with the applicant’s current or equivalent salary at the host organization.
• A Project Fund of up to USD 10,000 for each Bertha Challenge Fellow to produce a culminating body of work that responds to the Bertha Challenge question and is directed towards a specific audience.
• Access to a Connect Fund of up to USD 5,000 specifically designed to encourage collaboration between Fellows.
• Peer and mentor support in the form of regular virtual check-ins with Bertha staff and a community of Bertha Challenge Fellows and alumni.
• Network development through the global cohort of Bertha Challenge Fellows.
• A global convening of Bertha Challenge Fellows at the start of the Fellowship year.