Record number of JDF applications received

The first round of bursaries for 2012 is now closed and the Journalism Diversity Fund is delighted to have received a record number of applications.
This round, 71 application forms were submitted from those who need help funding their journalism training – a 54 percent increase on this time last year. This is the highest number or applications submitted to the fund (in a bursary round) since its launch in 2005.

The rise in applications has been aided by the increase in marketing and publicity undertaken by the fund.

Melissa Allison-Forbes, the journalism intern (diversity), is responsible for administering and promoting the Journalism Diversity Fund. She said of the success: “We are very pleased to see an increase in the amount of applications submitted to the fund.

“Last year we had new display material created and sent to all the NCTJ-accredited centres. They were also sent to secondary schools, colleges and libraries across the country.

“The Journalism Diversity Fund also made several radio appearances, attended a diversity careers fair and launched a Twitter account.”

The second round of bursaries is now open and applications are currently being accepted for NCTJ-accredited courses starting between September 2012 and August 2013.

The closing date is Friday, 29 June.