Women's Leadership Accelerator (WLA)
Funding Amount
Not stated
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Geography
- Presumed national/international based on ONA's reach
Other requirements
- Targeted at women and non-gender binary people working in news
- Career development focus for those seeking leadership advancement
- (Specific professional requirements not detailed in available content)
Overview
Program Type: Yearlong intensive mentorship and leadership development program
Program Overview
The Women's Leadership Accelerator offers a comprehensive yearlong intensive program of mentoring, discussion, and learning led by some of the top minds in digital media. Participants work closely with experienced mentors on challenges unique to their careers while receiving ongoing support and coaching from ONA throughout the year.
Program Features
- Duration: One year
- Format: Intensive mentorship and leadership development
- Mentorship: Participants work closely with senior mentors in the digital media industry
- Cohort Model: Accepted as part of a cohort group
- Support: Ongoing coaching and discussion throughout the year
Cost
- Tuition: Completely tuition-free for participants
- Travel Support: Funders and sponsors support travel costs for participants
- Guest Speakers/Mentors: Costs covered by program funders and sponsors
Eligibility
- Targeted at women and non-gender binary people working in news
- Career development focus for those seeking leadership advancement
- (Specific professional requirements not detailed in available content)
Program Components
- Mentoring from experienced media leaders
- Group discussions and learning opportunities
- Career-focused coaching
- Networking with cohort members
- Access to industry expertise
Geographic Scope
- Presumed national/international based on ONA's reach
Timeline
- 2024 Cohort: Introduced July 17, 2024
- 2025 Cohort: Introduced August 13, 2025
- Annual cohort selection
Contact
- Online News Association
- 1111 North Capitol Street Northeast, Second Floor
- Washington, DC 20002
- Website: journalists.org
Related Program
- Digital Women Leaders (DWL): A separate mentorship resource connecting women and non-gender binary people working in news with knowledgeable mentors
How to Apply
Application Process
Recruitment:
- ONA announces new cohorts annually
- Application period typically opens in spring/summer
- Interested candidates can apply through ONA's website
Selection Process:
- Competitive selection of cohort members
- Focus on identifying emerging and mid-career women and non-gender binary media leaders
How to Apply:
- Visit journalists.org for current application information
- Check program page for specific application deadline and requirements
Required Materials
- (Specific application requirements not detailed in available content)
- Likely includes: resume/CV, statement of interest, career goals, references
Key Information for Applicants
- Program is completely tuition-free
- Travel and speaker costs covered by program funders
- Yearlong commitment required
- Opportunity to work with top media leaders and mentors
- Cohort-based learning model
Contact
- Online News Association
- Website: journalists.org
- See website for current application portal and specific requirements
What Online News Association actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2024
- Grants in 2024
- 3
- Total given
- $643K
- Median grant
- $10K
- Range
- $7,500–$625K
- By dollars: Georgia 97%, New York 2%, District of Columbia 1%. Top recipient cities: Lawrence, GA; New York, NY; Washington, DC.
Example grants
Pivot Fund · Lawrence, GA
For the pivot program
$625K
Pro Publica Inc · New York, NY
General excellence in online journalism - medium; knight award for public service
$10K
The Washington Post · Washington, DC
University of florida award for investigative data journalism, large newsroom
$7,500
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Women
- Journalism
Categories
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