Applications Now Open for the Diversity in Beer Writing Grant 2024

The North American Guild of Beer Writers is now accepting applications for its 2024 Diversity in Beer Writing Grant.

Now in its seventh year, the Grant’s goal is to highlight the value of stories that showcase diversity and inclusion—in all its forms and challenges—within beer. The Grant’s view of diversity is wide. It encompasses not only race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender, but also geography, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, and more.

To best align with this goal, and to support journalists who have not traditionally been represented covering the beer industry, those who identify as female, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Winners receive payment for completed work. 

Underwriting for the 2024 Diversity in Beer Writing Grant comes from the Brewers Association, craftbeer.com, and Allagash Brewing Company. 

Application Information

  • From now through July 8, applications can be submitted online using this form.
  • Interested writers must provide a brief introductory statement about themselves, two samples of work from any type of coverage (beer or non-beer; written, visual, social media, or audio), and a pitch for their story idea that explores areas of diversity and inclusion in beer. 
  • Pitches for multimedia projects, including audio, video, or social media-focused ideas are welcomed.
  • A journalist’s level of experience and previous outlets of publication will not be a determining factor in a successful application. 

The Pay

Chosen writers will receive payment of 50 cents per word for their work, up to $1,000. Adjustments for pay will be accommodated if a selected pitch is another media format. Length of story or other project will be agreed on with editors before reporting. The final amount will be paid after completion and publication of a story. 

Your Pitch

Pitches describing your story idea should contain as much detail as possible and display a clear angle. Review of pitches will take into consideration the overall idea, proposed execution, potential list of interviews, and scope of story. Applicants’ background and identities are expected to inform their work, however, the Grant prefers reported pieces over strictly first-over essays.

We welcome submissions that tell stories about:

  • Events focused on inclusion and engaging new beer audiences
  • Efforts to advance knowledge and appreciation about beer
  • Profiles of interesting people, places, and groups
  • Homebrewing
  • Beer’s supply chain and ingredients 
  • Topical news or historical insights focused on culture and community
  • The intersection of beer with other community groups

This is not an exhaustive list and we encourage original reporting on all topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. An applicant’s ability to provide photos with text should be noted, but will not influence the overall strength of an application.

Deadline and Review Process

Any materials submitted after 11:59 PM ET on July 8 will not be considered. NAGBW and leadership from CraftBeer.com will review applications and announce recipients in July. Recipients will receive editorial guidance and mentorship from NAGBW members.

Stories will be published by craftbeer.com. 

Previous Stories

Familiarize yourself with past stories to understand the kind of reporting that has come from the Diversity in Beer Writing Grant:

For questions or more information about the grant, contact Kate Bernot, NAGBW director, at katebernot@gmail.com.

Complete an application with this form.

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