Introducing the WFSJ Solidarity Fund

    As threats to journalists around the world have increased to an alarming degree, the WFSJ is launching its Solidarity Fund, a helping hand for those science journalists who are facing a humanitarian crisis. This new initiative offers financial assistance in a range of emergency cases where journalists find their financial well-being and personal safety are compromised by violence, displacement, injuries, natural disasters, or outbreaks of disease. These problems may be a direct result of working as a journalist, which can put individuals in harm’s way. As its name implies, this initiative is a fine example of journalist-to-journalist solidarity, providing immediate relief to those in danger and need wherever they might happen to be.

    Who can apply

    Working science journalists who find themselves facing financial hardships for various reasons:
    •. Losses from forced relocation because of physical hazards at home
    •. Costs associated with defending themselves against legal prosecution
    •. Medical expenses caused by personal injuries

    How to apply

    A request for assistance can be submitted to the WFSJ by e-mail at office@wfsj.org. Applicants will be provided with a simple text where they can outline the nature of their problem and why they need help.

    The review process

    Completed applications will be forwarded to a WFSJ committee that will assess the merit of the request and determine an appropriate amount of support up to a maximum of US$1,000. These funds will be transferred by the most efficient means possible to the applicant, who will be asked to confirm receipt.

    We need your help

    Solidarity begins with each one of us, and the WFSJ is asking you to demonstrate that fact with a donation. We know from experience that ours is a community of generous, compassionate, and thoughtful people. Please assist journalists with your ongoing support.

    Direct your donation to the area of our work you wish to support

    Why donate?

    When you make a donation to the WFSJ, you will join us in our mission to support critical coverage of scientific issues through initiatives that train, mentor, and educate science journalists internationally.

    Monetary donations are most useful in supporting our operations, creating online toolkits such as on infectious diseases, developing webinars and MOOCs, and helping journalists cover stories in which science and technology play an important role.

    As a monthly donor, you will be of even greater support to science journalism. Your monthly gift will provide a consistent and reliable source of funding that allows us to plan ahead, enabling the WFSJ to fulfil its important work around the world.

    An official donation receipt will be issued qualifying for charitable tax credits depending on the tax regulations applicable in your country.

    We don’t want to see you go because your monthly financial contribution does mean a lot to us and to science journalism. However, just send a simple email to info@wfsj.org with the details of your cancellation and we will take care of it.

    Charitable organization

    The WFSJ is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that represents 10,000 science journalists and their associations around the world.

    We have been an officially registered Canadian charitable organization since 2013 (registration number: 831911748RR0001*).

    “I believe that being a knowledgeable health journalist can help to report facts from a balanced and accurate perspective that will help to inform the public, and this can save lives.”

    Alpha Daffae
    Journalist, Liberia