THE BERTHA CHALLENGE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Join us for an online 2026 Bertha Challenge application information session. Click here for more information and to register.
General questions
Can I apply if I’ve previously received funding from Bertha Foundation?
Previous Bertha Challenge Fellows will not be considered for a second Fellowship. Previous recipients of other Bertha Foundation funding are not precluded from applying for the Bertha Challenge.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
Lawyers are expected to hold a relevant academic legal qualification.
For activists, investigative journalists and filmmakers, we are interested in relevant qualifications but don’t consider these a prerequisite to applying. We are more interested in your experience (including the body of work you’ve produced), your proposed project, your motivation and your passion for your work.
Can I apply if I don’t have five years’ of relevant experience?
If you strongly believe that your proposed project, your host organization and what you could achieve qualify you for the Fellowship, we will consider your application. We regard relevant non-paid work as work experience.
I can’t commit to working on my Fellowship project full-time. Can I still apply?
No - We recognize that applicants often have multiple demands on their time, but we ask Fellows to make a full-time commitment to their Fellowship project and to sign a document at the beginning of their Fellowship agreeing to this. In addition to working on your Fellowship project, this commitment includes attending the Fellowship convenings, and regular calls with other members of the cohort. We expect you to organize your year’s commitments around the bi-monthly calls.
Can I apply jointly with other applicant(s) on a related project?
Yes, you are welcome to apply with a project that is linked to other applicants' project(s). Both/ all of your proposed bodies of work should be aligned and strengthen one another, but must also be a stand-alone project. Each applicant must apply with their own proposed project and host organization. For example, if a lawyer and filmmaker want to team up to work together on an aligned project, they will work together and separately developing and producing distinct pieces of work, both directly speaking to the Bertha Challenge question. Their respective host organizations will support them in different and aligned ways.
If projects are linked in this way, all applicants are still required to present their final products in English and expected to participate in regular calls and discussions with other Fellows in English.
Host organization questions
Do I need to be employed by my host organization?
No - You do not need to be employed by your host organization, but your host organization must be able to disburse your salary, Project Fund and Connect Fund. While some Fellows are employed by their host organization, others are paid by their host organization as a freelancer for the duration of their Fellowship. Arrangements for tax and any social security payments must be agreed between you and your host organization.
I don’t have a host organization at the moment. Can I apply anyway?
No - We consider the host organization as a vital part of the application shortlisting process. It is important that you apply with a host organization that is able to support you by publishing or distributing your work, connecting you with relevant partners and audiences and giving you administrative support such as disbursing your Project Funds and salary. We will not consider applications without a host organization.
Do I need to physically be located in the same place as my host organization?
Usually Fellows are located in the same city or area as their host organization, however this isn’t an essential requirement. It is important that you explain how your host organization will support your Fellowship project in your application. A solid working relationship with a host organization is a key factor in selecting Fellows.
The MoU states that Bertha Foundation will retain intellectual property of my Bertha Challenge Fellowship work. Does this mean that my host organization can’t print my work without Bertha’s permission?
No - Your host organization will be given first option to print/ broadcast/ distribute your work. This clause is intended to ensure that your work remains open source and can be re-printed and distributed as widely as possible. Bertha Foundation does not expect your host organization (or other organizations) to seek permission before publishing your work.
Application form questions
Can I view the application questions before completing the form?
Yes - The questions are available to view as a PDF here. The PDFs are for reference only - please use the online forms to make your application submission.
I am having problems submitting my application form. What should I do?
Please email berthachallenge@berthafoundation.org with a description of the problem.
About Bertha Foundation
Bertha Foundation supports activists, storytellers and lawyers who work to bring about social and economic justice and human rights for all. This program supports activists and investigative journalists to work together. In addition, successful applicants will join Bertha’s international network of highly skilled lawyers. The Bertha Challenge creates opportunities for activists and investigative journalists to amplify and accelerate their work in support of climate justice. Fellows are integral to the Bertha network and the sixteen selected activists and investigative journalists will act as bridges across regions to strengthen and embolden this important work.
Built with Shorthand