IJNR awards expenses-paid fellowships to working reporters, photojournalists, writers, editors and producers, including some independent and freelance journalists. In addition, some fellowships are awarded to students enrolled in professional programs of journalism and the environmental sciences. Fellowships are competitive.
Preference is given to journalists employed full-time by news organizations.
Contributors to newsletters, magazines and other media controlled by industry, government or advocacy groups are rarely selected. Public-relations practitioners are not eligible. IJNR does not charge any fee to students, journalists or news organizations. IJNR covers the cost of meals, lodging, local transportation, excursions and research materials during each institute. Employers of journalists selected as fellows are expected to provide full salary for the fellows while they are on assignment at the institutes and to pay for travel costs to and from the program.