Local News

Applications open for 2026 Investigative Elections Reporting Fellowship

A new $10,000 fellowship is available for a Maui County-based journalist to dig deeper into the 2026 Maui County Council and mayoral elections.

The inaugural Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative Investigative Elections Reporting Fellowship will fund seven weeks of original, investigative, print-first reporting focused on the candidates, issues, and decisions shaping Maui County's future.

Made possible by a generous donation from Ian Lind and Meda Chesney Lind, the fellowship aims to strengthen accountability in local elections, support emerging journalistic talent, and give Maui County residents the information they need to engage in the democratic process.

Interested applicants should submit materials to mnmcc@mnmcc.org, subject line "2026 MNMCC Investigative Elections Reporting Fellowship Application." Applicants should include the following in the email:

• Resume/CV

• Three writing samples

• Personal statement describing your interest in this fellowship and what you hope the impact of your reporting will be (500 word maximum)

• Sample pitch for an investigative elections story (250 words maximum)

A panel will review applications. The selected fellow can expect:

• $10,000 for successful completion of the program. Five thousand dollars will be paid upfront and $5,000 after completion of the program.

• Mentorship and networking opportunities with current and former professional journalists.

• To file a minimum of seven stories over seven weeks.

• To file an additional reflective piece at the conclusion of the seven-week fellowship summarizing the seven stories and connecting them in a narrative, and evaluating the impact of the fellowship and investigative elections reporting.

• To file stories on time to meet deadlines for 2026 publication dates of October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5, 12, and 19.

• To work under the supervision of the Managing Editor of The Maui News.

• Front-page placement in The Maui News.

To be considered for the 2026 Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative Investigative Elections Reporting Fellowship, please submit all requested materials by 11:59 p.m. on September 7, 2026. For further information, contact mnmcc@mnmcc.org.

The Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. On August 1, 2026, MNMCC became the owner of Maui Publishing Co., which includes The Maui News and its printing press. MNMCC's mission is to support, empower, and perpetuate the creativity, civic engagement, and literacy of the people of Maui Nui. MNMCC is led by a board of Maui residents including Axel Beers, Lance Collins, Alika Seki, and Anuhea Yagi.