The Bulgaria International Journalism Fellowship (BIJF) is a unique initiative aimed at shedding light on Bulgaria’s dynamic and evolving role within Europe and the world. As an E.U. and NATO member state, Bulgaria sits at the crossroads of geopolitics, society, and culture—serving as a key point of connection between East and West, tradition and innovation.
Despite its pivotal position, many of Bulgaria’s most compelling stories remain untold on the international stage. The BIJF was created to empower Bulgarian journalists and storytellers to produce high-quality, fact-based reporting that captures the complexities, challenges, and opportunities shaping Bulgaria’s evolving democracy and society.
From geopolitical shifts and economic transformations to cultural achievements and human-interest narratives, the BIJF supports journalism that informs, engages, and inspires international audiences.
About the BIJF Small Grants Program
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While all story ideas are welcome, BIJF encourages original and surprising pitches that shed light on Bulgaria’s interconnectedness with Europe and the world in the context of a shifting global landscape and today’s cultural, economic and environmental dynamics.
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Selected journalists will receive
- Small Grants: Successful pitches will receive small grants depending on story length, complexity, and format.
- Editorial Mentorship: Work closely with BIJF Editorial Director Dean Starkman and a cohort of senior fellows and receive guidance in refining your pitch, developing the story, and achieving publication.
- Research and Technical Support: Access to the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship at the American University in Bulgaria, offering research tools, networks, and expertise.
- International Exposure: Assistance in pitching and placing your work with Western media outlets, ensuring stories reach broad, engaged audiences.
- Community and Collaboration: Join a budding network of BIJF Senior Fellows, Student Fellows, and other professional journalists committed to telling impactful stories.
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The BIJF is open to journalists, storytellers, and media creators from around the world who
- Have a compelling idea that connects to Bulgaria and resonates with international audiences.
- Demonstrate a commitment to journalistic principles of accuracy, fairness, and independence.
- Are experienced or emerging professionals interested in in-depth storytelling.
What we support
The BIJF is dedicated to fostering journalism across a variety of formats:
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Written
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Documentary & Visual Storytelling |
| Features, essays, investigations, and in-depth analysis. | | Films, photo essays, and multimedia narratives. |
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Audio
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Innovative
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| Podcasts and storytelling with sound. | | Interactive formats and data-driven journalism. |