The Democracy Fund is hosting its fifth annual Journalism Conference. This is a fully funded, three-day intensive program in Toronto from August 28–30, 2026, for young Canadians (18–30) interested in media, storytelling, and current events.
This hands-on experience is about learning how stories are built – from research and interviews to writing, filming, and publishing across digital platforms.
This year’s theme: Citizenship & Civil Liberties.
August 28–30, 2026 | Toronto | Fully Funded
A 3-day, hands-on experience for young Canadians interested in how stories shape the world – from news and podcasts to video, commentary, and digital media.
This immersive conference brings together curious, motivated young people to explore how modern media works and how ideas spread in today’s fast-moving information landscape.
You’ll learn how stories are:
Alongside practical media skills, the program explores current debates around civil liberties, free expression, and the role of media in public life.
Work in teams to create a real-world media project over the weekend.
Your project will be reviewed by experienced journalists and media professionals who provide practical, actionable feedback.
A prize will be awarded to the top team.
Connect with journalists, editors, and creators working across Canada’s media landscape.
Explore paths in:
Successful applicants receive:
Curious, motivated young Canadians aged 18-30 interested in:
No formal journalism experience required.
Priority review deadline: May 31
Final deadline: June 14
Spots are limited.
Conference participants will be invited as special guests to the Independent Press Gallery Awards Luncheon – a celebration of independent media and the people behind important public-interest reporting.
This is a chance to meet experienced journalists, editors, and creators working across Canada’s media landscape, and to see how impactful stories are recognized and shared.
The luncheon will also feature the live announcement of the winning student project, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their work and be recognized by leading journalists and media professionals.
Learn more about the awards here: www.independentpressgallery.com/ipg-awards
TDF is a registered Canadian charity with the CRA: 779176676 RR 0001
Priority Consideration Deadline: May 31, 2026
Final Application Deadline: June 14, 2026
Apply by May 31 for priority consideration. Applications submitted until June 14, 2026 will still be reviewed, space permitting.
This program is for aspiring journalists who care about truth, integrity, civil liberties, and the future of independent media in Canada.
Applicants will be assessed based on:
For those interested in sponsoring our conference as a partner and participating in our job fair, please email [email protected].
A free press doesn’t happen by accident—it has to be built.
At The Democracy Fund, we train young journalists to report independently, without relying on government funding.
Over the past three years, we’ve brought dozens of students to Toronto for an intensive journalism boot camp. Many are now working in newsrooms across Canada.
It costs about $1,000 per student to run this program.
If you can, please make a tax-deductible donation today to help sponsor a future journalist.
