The Local is a Toronto-based online magazine dedicated to in-depth reporting from corners of the city that are often ignored or misunderstood. We publish four quarterly issues a year, as well as regular one-off features and investigations tackling a range of social and community issues—from housing and transit to climate, education, labour, and urban health.

The Philanthropist Journal, a publication of the Agora Foundation, publishes weekly stories by and for the non-profit sector in Canada. It covers issues that matter to sector workers and volunteers with rigorous, independent, and practical information. It has been publishing articles written by and for the sector since 1972.

The paid fellowship is designed specifically for early-career Black and/or Indigenous journalists, both of whom are underrepresented in Canadian media compared to the general population. The aim of the fellowship is to provide one early-career journalist with mentorship and an opportunity to write about issues that matter to their community and civil society. The fellow will learn the craft of magazine-style, community journalism and make industry connections with Black, Indigenous and other seasoned journalists, along with those in the non-profit and charitable sectors.

• The fellow will write two articles on topics relevant to the audiences of The Local and The Philanthropist Journal, with the pieces co-published by both outlets
• The fellow may choose what they want to write about by pitching story ideas as part of their application package; pitches can be refined once the fellowship begins
• The fellowship begins in early January 2026 (negotiable) and may last up to 12 months, but can finish as soon as the two articles are completed
• The Local will provide journalism mentorship and support to the fellow throughout the fellowship

The fellowship is part-time and flexible. Other than weekly check-ins, the fellow is free to organize their own schedules as long as deadlines are met. The fellow may work remotely or, if they choose to be in the office, The Local has a physical newsroom at 403-10 Adelaide Street East in Toronto.

This fellowship was made possible through funding and support from the Rideau Hall Foundation.

The fellow will receive $10,000 total.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter introducing themselves and expressing how the fellowship would benefit them. Applications should also include a CV, one or more published writing samples, and at least one pitch for a story. Pitches should be no more than 500 words; the proposed story should relate to a social or community issue of interest to people in the Greater Toronto Area and to the non-profit sector. We’re looking for story ideas that could grow into insightful, thoroughly reported standalone features, ranging from 1500-2500 words, on subjects or angles that haven’t been covered before. The Local will not consider applications that have been written with the help of generative AI. Please submit your application using the form below.

Application Deadline: November 17, 2025 at 11:59PM