As 2024 quickly comes to an end, it’s starting to be time to begin planning your career goals for the new year. Our curated list of fellowships, competitions and grants with deadlines next month is the perfect place to start:

Photography grants

Deadline: December 1, 2024

Working photographers can apply now for the Aftermath Project’s US$25,000 grant, which supports photographers who tell the other half of the story of conflict. The grant focuses specifically on stories that explore the aftermaths of the 1492 landing of Christopher Colombus and the 1619 arrival of the first enslaved Africans in North America. Members of underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.

Media innovation fellowship

Deadline: December 1, 2024

The Nieman Foundation for Journalism and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society are seeking applications for their fellowship, in which fellows will spend an academic year at Harvard University carrying out a research project on journalism innovation. Fellows will receive a stipend and more.

Journalism fellowship

Deadline: December 1, 2024

Journalists with at least five years of professional experience are eligible to apply for the University of Michigan’s Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship. Fellows will devise a personalized plan of study with access to the courses and resources at the university. Stipends for living expenses and more will be provided.

Course scholarships

Deadline: December 2, 2024

News Product Alliance and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY are offering a course to help mid- to senior-level news professionals gain product strategy, technical expertise and management skills. Full and partial financial support will be available for successful applicants.

Photography contest

Deadline: December 2, 2024 

Professional and amateur photographers can now enter up to 15 photos to the Smithsonian magazine’s annual photo contest. Categories include the natural world, travel, people and more. Each category winner will receive U$500. 

Nonfiction writing award

Deadline: December 5, 2024

Columbia University is accepting applications for the J. Anthony Lukas Prize Project Awards, which recognizes excellence in nonfiction that exemplifies literary grace and commitment to serious research and social concern. Winners will receive cash prizes! 

Reporting grants 

Deadline: December 8, 2024

Women and nonbinary journalists with one or more years of professional experience and who cover subculture can apply now for the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Kim Wall Memorial Fund. Grants will cover reporting costs. Applicants must have excellent written and verbal English skills.

Visual storytelling fellowship

Deadline: December 14, 2024

The CatchLight Global Fellowship, organized by CatchLight and MPB.com, is seeking visual storytellers. This 12-month program will serve as a place for innovative leaders to receive financial support and unlock their potential. 

Scholars program

Deadline: December 16, 2024

Columbia University is accepting candidates for the 2025-2026 Obama Foundation Scholars Program. Scholars will receive skills-based and experiential learning and engage with thought leaders and practitioners. A furnished studio apartment, monthly stipend and more will be provided. 

Call for session ideas

Deadline: December 20, 2024

Journalists can now submit ideas for sessions at the Global Investigative Journalism Network’s 2025 conference. Interested speakers should suggest compelling panels, workshops and other presentations. Ideas must be submitted in English. 

Film festival

Deadline: December 31, 2024

The Hong Kong International Film Festival is accepting documentaries completed after Jan. 1, 2024. Entries must be in English or include English subtitles. The winner will receive up to US$3,000. The entry fee ranges from US$40 to US$80.