Collaborative reporting desks pairing visual journalists with media partners around a single urgent theme.
About
A Thematic Desk is a collaborative reporting unit that pairs CatchLight visual journalists with media partners to cover a single theme in depth over 12–18 months.
Mental Health
Our first thematic visual desk illuminates mental health stories, challenges, and solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply?
This grant is open to local newsrooms nationwide — no CatchLight membership required. The primary applicant contact should be an editor or newsroom leader who will provide oversight for the proposed project. New and in-progress projects are eligible, as long as they can be completed and published within the grant period.Placeholder: answer to come.
Does our story have to fit one of the listed themes and does it need a solutions journalism angle?
Yes to both, though we interpret each broadly. Proposals should connect genuinely to at least one theme, but don’t need to be a literal match – make the case in your application. On solutions journalism: we’re looking for reporting that grapples honestly with both progress and gaps, grounded in evidence. Read more about the framework here.
What counts as “visually driven” – and can we apply with a series?
A visually driven project is one where photography or video journalism plays a central role – not just as illustration alongside text, but as a primary storytelling tool. Illustration and data visualization can support the work, but the visual backbone should be photographic or documentary. Series are welcome, as long as the first installment can be published within the grant period.
What is the payment schedule for grant funds and what should the funds be used for?
The $6,000 grant is paid in two equal installments: 50% at the start of the grant period and 50% upon completion of deliverables and submission of an impact form. Funds can be used for personnel time, reporting, travel, and production.
What does CatchLight’s support look like beyond funding?
Selected newsrooms are paired with a CatchLight visual editor who serves as a consistent point of contact from story development through publication. Expect biweekly check ins and hands on support, including photographer coordination and editing .If your project requires a freelance photographer, CatchLight identifies, contracts, and pays them directly Additionally, newsroom grantee staff may be eligible to participate in workshop and training opportunities facilitated by CatchLight in connection to visual reporting on mental health.
What are the deliverables, and who owns the work?
Deliverables include a published story or series, visual assets filed to our digital asset management system Mediagraph with captions, and a completed impact form within six weeks of publication. Your newsroom retains copyright over its reporting. If CatchLight commissions a photographer, copyright over those images remains with the photographer – CatchLight and your newsroom each receive a licensing to use them.
Additional questions?
Reach out to CatchLight Executive Editor Jenny Stratton: jenny@catchlight.io.
Sponsors
We are grateful to our community & media partners.
