The Globe and Mail Foundation has opened applications for the inaugural 2026–2027 Globe and Mail Foundation Mentorship Program with Robert Fife, a six-month, project-based mentorship opportunity designed for emerging investigative and political journalists in Canada.
The program offers selected journalists an opportunity to receive intensive, one-on-one mentorship from veteran Canadian investigative and political journalist Robert Fife while developing a substantial public-interest reporting project from the initial idea or pitch through to publication.
Running from November 2026 through April 2027, the mentorship is intended to help emerging journalists strengthen their investigative reporting, writing, interviewing, editorial judgment, professional development and understanding of the media industry.
Only two emerging journalists will be selected for the inaugural cohort, making this a highly focused mentorship opportunity for journalists who are ready to pursue ambitious reporting projects and deepen their professional practice.
The application deadline is Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
About the Globe and Mail Foundation Mentorship Program
The Globe and Mail Foundation Mentorship Program with Robert Fife has been established to provide emerging journalists with sustained access to an experienced investigative and political journalist.
Rather than being a short-term workshop or general journalism training course, the program is structured around a six-month, project-based mentorship. Participants will work closely with Robert Fife through the development of a focused public-interest reporting project.
The mentorship is intended to provide a practical environment where journalists can discuss reporting ideas, receive editorial feedback, refine their stories and develop the skills necessary to produce high-quality journalism.
Throughout the program, mentees will have opportunities to work through different stages of the reporting process, including identifying and refining a story idea, developing a reporting strategy, conducting interviews and research, writing and revising drafts, and preparing a final piece for publication.
The program therefore combines professional mentorship with practical project development.
Key Details of the 2026–2027 Robert Fife Mentorship Program
- Program: The Globe and Mail Foundation Mentorship Program with Robert Fife
- Opportunity type: Mentorship / Journalism Training
- Cohort: 2026–2027 inaugural cohort
- Number of mentees: Two emerging journalists
- Mentor: Robert Fife
- Duration: Six months
- Program period: November 2026 to April 2027
- Location requirement: Applicants must reside in Canada
- Focus areas: Investigative journalism and political journalism
- Experience requirement: No more than five years of reporting experience
- Application deadline: Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Application method: Email
- Application email: education@globeandmailfoundation.com
- Subject line: “The Robert Fife Mentorship”
What Does the Mentorship Program Offer?
The program provides participants with a combination of individual mentorship, editorial guidance, project development and professional career advice.
1. One-on-One Mentorship with Robert Fife
One of the central features of the program is direct access to Robert Fife.
Each selected journalist will participate in private virtual mentorship sessions every two weeks throughout the six-month program.
These sessions are designed to create an ongoing space for discussion, reflection and editorial guidance. Instead of receiving advice only once or during a short workshop, mentees will have sustained access to an experienced journalist as they develop their reporting projects.
The regular sessions can provide an opportunity to discuss reporting challenges, story development, research approaches, interviews, writing and broader professional questions.
2. Development of a Public-Interest Reporting Project
The mentorship is centered around a substantial reporting project.
Mentees will bring or develop a focused idea addressing an issue of public interest and work on it throughout the program.
The project will be developed from the initial pitch through to final publication. This means participants can gain practical experience in the different stages involved in producing deeply reported journalism.
Depending on the nature of the project, the reporting process may involve:
- Identifying a significant public-interest issue.
- Refining the central reporting question.
- Developing a strong story angle.
- Conducting background research.
- Identifying relevant sources.
- Planning interviews.
- Gathering information and evidence.
- Conducting interviews.
- Assessing information and sources.
- Structuring the story.
- Writing and revising drafts.
- Receiving editorial feedback.
- Preparing the final story for publication.
This project-based structure makes the mentorship particularly relevant to journalists who already have an area of interest they would like to investigate more deeply.
3. Editorial Feedback
Participants will receive constructive feedback on important aspects of journalism, including:
- Story framing.
- Writing style.
- Interview techniques.
- Draft development.
- Reporting approaches.
- Overall story structure.
For emerging journalists, editorial feedback can be an important part of developing stronger reporting habits. The mentorship provides an opportunity to discuss the reasoning behind editorial decisions and refine a story through multiple stages.
4. Industry and Career Guidance
The program also goes beyond the individual reporting project.
Mentees will receive strategic advice relating to professional development and navigating the journalism industry.
This may include guidance on working with major media organizations, developing professional relationships and building a stronger journalism network.
For emerging journalists who are still establishing their careers, this component can provide an opportunity to better understand how professional journalism operates and how ambitious reporting projects can be developed and presented.
5. Opportunities for Real-World Public Impact
The mentorship is designed around public-interest reporting.
Participants will work toward turning complex issues into deeply researched and publishable journalism. The objective is not simply to produce an academic exercise or training assignment but to develop reporting capable of contributing to public understanding of important issues.
This can be particularly relevant for journalists interested in political accountability, public policy, government, institutions, public affairs and other subjects where investigative reporting can help bring information into the public domain.
6. Possible Funding for Travel and Research
The program may provide funding to support travel and research on a case-by-case basis, where such support is considered necessary for the reporting project.
Applicants should therefore clearly explain their proposed reporting project and identify any research or travel requirements where relevant.
Funding is not described as automatic for every participant or project. It will be considered according to the needs of the proposed reporting work.
Who Should Apply for the Robert Fife Mentorship?
The program is intended for emerging journalists who want to strengthen their investigative or political reporting practice.
Applicants should be prepared to commit to a six-month, project-based mentorship and should have a clear interest in developing substantial public-interest journalism.
The program may be particularly relevant to journalists who:
- Have an emerging career in journalism.
- Have no more than five years of reporting experience.
- Have a strong interest in investigative journalism.
- Are interested in political journalism.
- Want to develop a major reporting project.
- Have an idea for a public-interest story or reporting area.
- Want detailed editorial feedback.
- Want to strengthen their interviewing and reporting skills.
- Are interested in developing their professional journalism networks.
- Are prepared to work consistently on a project over six months.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility conditions before applying.
Applicants Must Reside in Canada
The program is specifically designed for emerging journalists residing in Canada.
Therefore, applicants from outside Canada who do not reside in Canada would not meet the stated residency requirement.
Applicants Must Have No More Than Five Years of Reporting Experience
The opportunity is aimed at journalists who are still in the emerging stage of their careers.
Applicants must have no more than five years of reporting experience.
This requirement distinguishes the program from opportunities aimed at senior or highly experienced journalists.
Applicants Should Have an Interest in Investigative or Political Journalism
Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in either:
- Investigative journalism; or
- Political journalism.
Applicants should use their application materials to demonstrate how their previous work, professional interests or proposed reporting project connects to these areas.
Employed Journalists Need an Editor’s Letter of Support
Applicants who are currently employed by a media organization must include a letter of support from their editor.
This requirement is particularly important for journalists working within established news organizations and should be addressed before submitting the application.
What Materials Are Required?
Applicants are expected to submit several documents and pieces of information as part of their application.
1. Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must provide their CV, which should clearly present their journalism experience, professional background and relevant accomplishments.
Given the program’s focus on investigative and political journalism, applicants should ensure that their CV makes relevant reporting experience easy to identify.
2. Letter of Interest
Applicants must submit a letter of interest of no more than 350 words.
The letter should provide a concise explanation of the applicant’s interest in the mentorship and their journalism background.
Because the word limit is relatively short, applicants should prioritize the information most relevant to the program.
3. Two Published Work Samples
Applicants must provide two examples of published work.
These samples give applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their reporting ability and experience.
Where possible, the selected examples should help demonstrate the applicant’s strengths in areas relevant to investigative or political journalism.
4. Statement on Mentorship Goals and Reporting Project
Applicants must provide a brief statement explaining:
- Their goals for the mentorship.
- The reporting project they hope to develop; or
- The reporting area they would like to explore.
This component is particularly important because the mentorship is project-based.
Applicants should therefore clearly communicate what they hope to accomplish during the six-month program.
5. Editor’s Letter of Support, Where Applicable
Applicants employed by a media organization must provide a letter of support from their editor.
Applicants who are not employed by a media organization do not have this stated requirement.
How to Apply for the Globe and Mail Foundation Mentorship Program
Applications must be submitted by email.
Applicants should prepare all required materials before sending their application to the Foundation.
Application Email
Applications should be sent to:
education@globeandmailfoundation.com
Applicants should use the following subject line:
The Robert Fife Mentorship
The application must be received by Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Applicants should allow sufficient time for submission and ensure that all required materials are included.
Application Assessment and Selection Process
The Globe and Mail Foundation will assess applications based on several factors.
These include:
- Commitment to investigative or political journalism
Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in developing their work in investigative or political reporting. - Clarity of goals
Applicants should clearly explain what they hope to achieve through the mentorship. - Feasibility of the proposed project
The proposed reporting project or area should be sufficiently focused and realistic for development during the six-month program. - Potential public value
The Foundation will consider the potential public value of the proposed reporting. - Readiness to benefit from sustained mentorship
Applicants should demonstrate that they are prepared to engage meaningfully with a six-month mentorship and use the guidance provided.
Following the initial assessment, shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Program Timeline
The inaugural mentorship cohort will run for six months.
Application Period
Applications are currently open for the 2026–2027 cohort.
Application Deadline
Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Mentorship Period
The program will run from:
November 2026 to April 2027
During this period, selected journalists will participate in regular mentorship sessions and work on their reporting projects.
Why the Project-Based Structure Matters
One of the distinctive features of the program is its emphasis on developing a specific reporting project.
Rather than treating journalism mentorship as a purely theoretical exercise, the program connects professional guidance with actual reporting.
A participant can therefore use the six-month period to move a story from an early idea toward a publishable piece.
The process can involve repeatedly refining the story as new information emerges, receiving feedback and reconsidering the framing or reporting approach.
This type of sustained development can be particularly useful for emerging journalists who have ideas for important stories but need additional editorial guidance, professional experience or resources to develop them fully.
About Robert Fife
The mentorship is led by veteran Canadian journalist Robert Fife, whose career has included prominent investigative and political reporting.
Fife served as The Globe and Mail’s Ottawa Bureau Chief and previously held the position of Ottawa Bureau Chief at the National Post. He was also associated with CTV National News and hosted CTV’s Question Period.
His career includes extensive work covering Canadian politics, government and public affairs.
Fife has received numerous awards for his investigative journalism.
Among the investigations associated with his career was his reporting on the SNC-Lavalin affair, which led to the resignations of two senior cabinet ministers, a senior adviser to the prime minister and the Clerk of the Privy Council.
He also played a major role in reporting on the Senate expense scandal, which emerged as a significant political issue in Canada in the early 2010s and resulted in the resignation of then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s chief of staff, Nigel Wright, as well as significant reforms relating to Senate expenses.
In 2021, Maclean’s Magazine named Fife among Canada’s 50 most powerful people.
He is also the author of several books, including:
- A Capital Scandal: Politics, Patronage and Payoff
- Why Parliament Must Be Reformed
- Kim Campbell: The Making of a Politician
His experience in investigative and political journalism forms the professional foundation of the mentorship program.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Prospective applicants should carefully consider whether the program matches their professional experience and goals.
The opportunity is specifically targeted toward emerging journalists in Canada, rather than journalists at any career stage.
Applicants should therefore confirm that they:
- Reside in Canada.
- Have no more than five years of reporting experience.
- Have an interest in investigative or political journalism.
- Can commit to a six-month mentorship.
- Have two suitable examples of published work.
- Can articulate clear mentorship goals.
- Have a viable reporting project or reporting area they want to develop.
- Can obtain an editor’s letter of support if currently employed by a media organization.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Although the final selection is made by the Globe and Mail Foundation, applicants can take several practical steps to present their experience and proposed project clearly.
Demonstrate Your Reporting Experience
Your CV and published work samples should make your journalism experience easy to understand.
Focus on reporting experience that demonstrates your ability to investigate issues, gather information, conduct interviews, explain complex subjects or produce public-interest journalism.
Choose Relevant Published Work
The two work samples should provide a meaningful picture of your journalism abilities.
Applicants should consider selecting work that demonstrates strong reporting, research, interviewing, writing, investigative thinking or political coverage.
Develop a Focused Project Idea
Because the mentorship is project-based, applicants should avoid presenting an overly broad reporting concept.
Instead, explain the issue you want to explore and identify what makes the proposed reporting relevant to the public.
Clearly Explain Your Goals
The Foundation wants to understand how the mentorship would contribute to your development.
Applicants should therefore explain the specific skills, knowledge or professional capabilities they hope to strengthen.
Keep the Letter of Interest Within the Word Limit
The letter of interest must be no more than 350 words.
Applicants should edit carefully to ensure that the letter remains within the stated limit while still communicating their strongest points.
Prepare Early
Because the application requires multiple components, applicants should avoid waiting until the deadline to begin preparing.
This is especially important for applicants employed by media organizations because they may need time to request an editor’s letter of support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Globe and Mail Foundation Mentorship Program?
It is a six-month, project-based mentorship for emerging investigative and political journalists, providing one-on-one guidance from veteran journalist Robert Fife.
How many journalists will be selected?
The inaugural 2026–2027 cohort will select two emerging journalists.
Who is the mentor?
The mentor is Robert Fife, a veteran investigative and political journalist and former Ottawa Bureau Chief of The Globe and Mail.
How long does the mentorship last?
The mentorship lasts six months, running from November 2026 through April 2027.
Where must applicants reside?
Applicants must reside in Canada.
How much reporting experience can applicants have?
Applicants must have no more than five years of reporting experience.
Do applicants need to be investigative journalists already?
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in investigative or political journalism. The program is designed for emerging journalists seeking to deepen their reporting practice.
What if I work for a media organization?
If you are employed by a media organization, you must include a letter of support from your editor.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a CV, a letter of interest of no more than 350 words, two examples of published work, and a statement describing their mentorship goals and proposed reporting project or area. An editor’s letter of support is required where applicable.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
How do I submit my application?
Applications should be emailed to education@globeandmailfoundation.com with “The Robert Fife Mentorship” as the subject line.
Will shortlisted applicants be interviewed?
Yes. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Opportunity Category
Mentorship / Journalism Training
Eligible Applicants
The opportunity is intended for:
- Emerging journalists.
- Journalists interested in investigative journalism.
- Journalists interested in political journalism.
- Applicants with no more than five years of reporting experience.
- Journalists who reside in Canada.
- Journalists prepared to commit to a six-month, project-based mentorship.
- Journalists employed by media organizations who can provide an editor’s letter of support, where applicable.
Visit HERE for more information about the The Globe and Mail Foundation Mentorship Program 2026–2027.
Conclusion
The Globe and Mail Foundation Mentorship Program with Robert Fife offers emerging Canadian journalists an opportunity to develop their investigative and political reporting through sustained, one-on-one professional mentorship.
The six-month program combines regular virtual mentorship sessions with practical development of a public-interest reporting project. Participants can receive editorial feedback on story framing, writing, interviews and drafts while also gaining guidance on navigating the journalism industry and developing professional networks.
With only two journalists selected for the inaugural cohort, applicants should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their commitment to investigative or political journalism, presents strong examples of published work, and outlines a focused, feasible reporting project with clear public value.
Eligible applicants should prepare their CV, 350-word-or-less letter of interest, two published work samples, project and mentorship goals, and editor’s letter of support where applicable.
The application deadline is October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and the mentorship itself will take place from November 2026 through April 2027.
Prospective applicants should carefully review the requirements and submit their complete application to education@globeandmailfoundation.com using the subject line “The Robert Fife Mentorship.”
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