Introducing the Food and Farming Storytelling Fund, a New Fund for One of America’s Most Underreported Beats

Sentient is pleased to announce a new investment in the media ecosystem reporting on factory farming by supporting the journalists, creators and communicators already working to bring these stories to their communities. 

Over the next two years, the Food and Farming Storytelling Fund will distribute $360,000 in direct grants to storytellers covering food and agriculture. 

“This is an important moment: food is on the political agenda, and it’s time to fill this gap in the media ecosystem with new voices,” says Ana Bradley, Executive Director of Sentient.

Independent journalists are an integral part of the media ecosystem, yet there remain insufficient opportunities for them to receive the kind of mentoring and regular structured support that can level up their careers. 

Hosted by Sentient’s Food and Farming Journalism Network (already home to 350+ food and agriculture journalists), the fund is made possible thanks to a grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation.

What the Food and Farming Storytelling Fund Offers:

• Grants to produce original reporting and content
• Support to build something of your own: launching or growing a newsletter, podcast or media platform
• Trainings that support creator-led journalism models
• Mentorship: support through the Food and Farming Journalism Network community
• Legal education, guidance and support

Who’s Eligible to Apply:

• Independent journalists and content creators, including newsletter/Substack writers, looking to grow their evidence-based coverage of factory farming, food and agriculture
• Podcasters and content creators with an established, engaged audience on any platform
• Subject-matter experts (scientists, veterinarians, economists, policy analysts) building a public platform to communicate their expertise to the general public
• Applicants able to dedicate at least half their output to factory farming and food systems reporting
• No newsroom affiliation required. Built for independent, self-published and freelance work

Get Involved:

• Join the Food & Farming Journalism Network
• Register your interest in the fund to be notified when the application process opens. 
• The fund will be recruiting a Program Manager. Find out more and how to apply here.