Democracy Fund supports entry fees for micro newsrooms in 2019 OJAs; deadline extended for all categories

We are excited to announce that entry fees are now waived for micro newsrooms to enter the General Excellence category of the 2019 Online Journalism Awards, thanks to generous support from Democracy Fund. In addition, the deadline for entries for all categories has been extended to June 12, 11:59 p.m. EDT.

The Micro Newsroom size category for the General Excellence award honors a digitally focused news organization with 15 or fewer full-time or equivalent employees that successfully fulfills its editorial mission, effectively serves its audience, maximizes the use of digital tools and represents the highest journalistic standards. Winners in 2018 were Postdata.club, the first and only website dedicated to data journalism in Cuba, and The Trace, a nonprofit newsroom reporting on guns and gun violence in the U.S.

Newsrooms that already submitted entries in this size category will receive a refund of the entry fee.

With just over a week left to enter the 2019 OJAs, here’s what you need to know to submit your best work:

• The 2019 OJAs feature 37 awards, including 15 with a total of $62,500 in prize money. New and expanded categories include the Gather Award in Engaged Journalism, Digital Video Storytelling and Excellence in Audio Digital Storytelling, which includes awards for Ongoing Series, Limited Series and Use of Audio Storytelling.
• The awards are open to work published between June 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019. Review all the rules and eligibility before starting your entry.
• See also these four tips for preparing a great entry.

ONA members receive a $75 discount per entry — submission fees are $100 per entry for members and $175 per entry for non-members. Submission fees are $15 per entry for student members and $50 per entry for non-member students.

Enter the 2019 OJAs