Applications are open for the Rare Disease Reporting Fellowship and Grants 2026 (up to $2,000) - a free, competitive online journalism fellowship from the National Press Foundation (NPF), supported by Fondation Ipsen, for professional journalists worldwide covering rare diseases, biotechnology, healthcare access, and patient/family experiences.
Training runs 16 - 20 November 2026 (daily 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET). Up to 20 journalists can receive reporting grants of up to $2,000 ($1,000 after training + $1,000 after submission). Deadline: 22 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official National Press Foundation page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Rare Disease Reporting Fellowship 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | 2026 Rare Disease Reporting Fellowship and Grants (5th in series) |
| Organiser | National Press Foundation (NPF) |
| Sponsor | Fondation Ipsen |
| Format | Free online training (mandatory full attendance) |
| Training dates | 16 - 20 November 2026 · 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET daily |
| Reporting grants | Up to $2,000 for 20 journalists (two $1,000 installments) |
| Project publish-by | 1 March 2027 |
| Open to | Professional journalists in any country / medium |
| Deadline | 22 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Apply | Official Airtable application form |
About the Fellowship
About 300 million people live with one of more than 7,000 rare diseases. This fellowship helps international journalists amplify visibility, research, access gaps, and patient realities through on-the-record expert briefings - including rare disease research in Africa, AI-driven drug development, childhood genetic testing/screening, inclusive clinical trials, patient advocacy leaders, and veteran journalists in the field.
Benefits
- One week of free online professional journalism training
- Expert briefings and Q&A with researchers, advocates, and journalists
- Up to $2,000 reporting grant for 20 fellows (travel/time for a rare disease project)
- $1,000 paid after training completion; $1,000 after submitting published work
- Grant-supported stories published in your outlet, then reprinted in a Fondation Ipsen compilation book
Eligibility
- Professional journalists based in any country
- Any medium: print, broadcast, online, or social
- Any language for reporting, but fluency in English required (training in English)
- Must attend all sessions (competitive; attendance mandatory)
- Employed journalists: letter of support from editor committing to four hours off work each day Nov 16 - 20
- Freelancers: letter from an editor indicating interest in publishing work on this topic
How to Apply
- Review the official NPF page: Apply - 2026 Rare Disease Reporting Fellowship.
- Prepare your editor support / interest letter.
- Submit the online application by 22 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET.
- Questions: Celia Milch - celia@nationalpress.org
Official Links
National Press Foundation - programme page
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Demographics & Planetary Health Story Prize 2026
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- Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Rare Disease Reporting Fellowship and Grants 2026
When is the deadline?
22 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
What is the grant amount?
Up to $2,000 for up to 20 journalists ($1,000 after training + $1,000 after submission), with work published by 1 March 2027.
Is the training free?
Yes - free online training for all accepted fellows; grants are additional for qualifying fellows.
Who can apply?
Professional journalists worldwide in any medium, with English fluency and commitment to attend all Nov 16 - 20 sessions.
Where do I apply?
Via the official Airtable form.
