Logan Nonfiction Program to Host Up to 40 Independent Nonfiction Storytellers at Carey Institute in 2020
New funding will benefit longform journalists, documentary filmmakers, photojournalists and podcasters around the world
Rensselaerville, N.Y.— The Logan Nonfiction Program announced that it has received increased support from the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation in order to continue providing unique fellowship opportunities to nonfiction writers, photojournalists, documentary filmmakers and multimedia creators from around the world through 2020.
Founded in 2015, the Logan Nonfiction Program has hosted more than 130 writers, documentary filmmakers, photojournalists and podcasters from 29 countries since its inception. At a time when independent journalists are faced with fewer resources, shrinking newsrooms, growing isolation, and increasing antagonism and attacks, the Logan Nonfiction Program empowers these reporters and filmmakers to complete deeply reported stories on the most pressing issues of the day.
“The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation shares our belief in the ability of nonfiction to advance social justice, spur constructive dialogue, build stronger communities and ultimately create democratic change in our world,” said Carly Willsie, program manager of the Logan Nonfiction Program. “We look forward to strengthening our support of independent mediamakers so they can tell the stories that matter.”
The generous $400,000 gift from the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation will support up to 40 more nonfiction creators working on long-form articles, books and films in the upcoming year.
“2020 is a critically important election year and the foundation is working to ensure that voters are registered, know where to find credible information about candidates and get to the polls,” said Jonathan Logan. “The Logan Nonfiction Program plays an important role in this effort by delivering data-driven, fact-based reporting on multiple platforms including documentary film, print, documentary photography and podcasting. The five- to 10-week residency affords Logan fellows the space and support to do their best work. Along with our partner organizations, grantees and fellows, we are working hard to give Americans the tools and information to make them the best informed in American history.”
The fellowship is based on the Carey Institute for Global Good’s 100-acre campus in upstate New York where fellows are in residence up to three months in two classes per year. During their time in residence, fellows are provided lodging, meals, editing equipment, individual workshopping sessions, community events and many informal networking opportunities. The Logan Nonfiction Program also hosts journalists under threat who have been directly targeted for their investigative work.
“At a time when press freedom is increasingly under attack, the Logan Nonfiction Program has provided a haven for 130 fellows producing essential work vital to an informed democracy,” said Gareth Crawford, Carey Institute president and CEO. “Their work illuminates impactful stories in health, education, justice, the environment, poverty and economics, conflict and security, equality, inclusivity and humanity. This gift will ensure that many more fellows are given the opportunity to produce this valuable work.”
Notable alumni of the fellowship include Adrian Nicole LeBlanc, bestselling author of “Random Family”; filmmaker Jacqueline Olive whose “Always in Season” recently won a Sundance Special Jury Award for Moral Urgency; Daniel Ellsberg, author and former military analyst who leaked the Pentagon Papers; and Shane Bauer, author of “American Prison,” which was featured on The New York Times Book Review’s “10 Best Books of 2018” list.
Applications are currently open for the program’s fall 2020 class of fellows.