The Earth Shorts 2025 Fellowship is now open for applications! Organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), this paid opportunity supports 20 creators and journalists from South and Southeast Asia. Each selected fellow will receive $2,000 and mentorship to produce short videos about biodiversity for social media.
This program helps storytellers reach more people with engaging, fact-based videos on nature, conservation, and climate issues. Whether you’re a content creator with a strong following or a journalist reporting on environmental topics, this fellowship will help you grow your skills, network with others, and make an impact.
EJN started this initiative with a pilot program in the Philippines. Now, it’s expanding to include more countries, offering a mix of virtual training, hands-on mentorship, and a collaborative learning journey to fight misinformation and create meaningful biodiversity content.
Participants will attend a three-day virtual training in September 2025 and produce at least five short videos by February 2026. The program ends with a virtual showcase event in March 2026.
Quick Overview of Earth Shorts 2025 Fellowship
- Host Organization: Earth Journalism Network (EJN), Internews
- Fellowship Type: Fully Funded
- Region Covered: South and Southeast Asia
- Deadline: July 16, 2025 (11:59 PM Asia/Jayapura)
- Funding Value: $2,000 USD per fellow
- Number of Fellows: 20 total (10 journalists + 10 content creators)
- Program Duration: September 2025 – February 2026
- Training Mode: Online/Virtual
- Language Requirement: English for application; content can be in any language
Perks of Journalism Fellowship for Artists around the Globe
- Receive a $2,000 grant to create biodiversity videos.
- Take part in a three-day virtual training workshop on biodiversity and content creation.
- Get one-on-one mentorship to improve your videos and social media strategies.
- Enjoy peer learning opportunities with other fellows from the region.
- Join a final virtual event to showcase your work.
- Have your videos shared by EJN on their website and social platforms.
- Learn about biodiversity, conservation, storytelling, fact-checking, AI tools, and more.
Benefits of EJN Fellowships for Journalists from South and SouthEast Asia
- Learn storytelling, videography, and conservation topics in-depth.
- Gain credibility and exposure by collaborating with a respected media network.
- Improve digital skills, understand biodiversity better, and become a trusted voice online.
- Connect with creators and journalists across South and Southeast Asia.
- Get your work promoted globally by a major environmental organization.
Exclusions of the Paid Fellowship
- Applicants outside South and Southeast Asia are not eligible.
- Content creators must have 20,000–200,000 followers; fewer or more is not accepted.
- Applications must be in English, even though final content can be in local languages.
- Current journalists cannot apply as content creators (former journalists may apply).
- Content produced must acknowledge EJN and follow safety and ethical rules.
Eligibility Criteria of Earth Shorts 2025 Fellowship
For Social Media Content Creators:
- Must be based in: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar (in Thailand), Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, or the Philippines.
- Must have 20,000–200,000 followers.
- Should regularly post short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or X.
- Should not be employed as a journalist.
- Must show interest in biodiversity topics.
For Journalists:
- Must actively report on biodiversity issues.
- Can be freelance or part of a media outlet.
- Must post regularly (at least weekly) on social platforms.
- No minimum follower requirement.
- Should want to improve their social media skills.
Language & Conduct:
- Applications in English only.
- Fellows must commit to full participation and ethical conduct (no plagiarism or AI misuse).
Important Dates of Earth Shorts 2025 Fellowship
- Application Deadline: July 16, 2025
- Selection Announcement: August 2025
- Virtual Training Workshop: September 2025
- Content Production Period: Until February 2026
- Final Showcase Event: March 2026
How to Apply to Earth Shorts 2025 Fellowship
- Go to the official fellowship page
- Click “Apply now” at the top of the page.
- Log in or sign up for an account on the EJN website.
- Choose to submit your application in writing or as a short video (with English subtitles).
- Fill out the application form and upload a budget using the provided Excel template.
- You can save a draft and return later to finish your application.
- Submit before the deadline.
- For help, email: info.ejn@internews.org
Required Documents for Earth Shorts 2025 Fellowship
- Completed online application form
- Short proposal or video pitch
- Budget spreadsheet (template provided on website)
- Examples of previous content (especially for creators)
- Proof of social media engagement (follower count, etc.)
- English subtitle file (for video applications, if in other languages)
Country-Specific Criteria
Eligible applicants must live in one of the following countries:
- South Asia: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives
- Southeast Asia: Thailand (plus Myanmar nationals in Thailand), Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Philippines
