Ready to take the next step?
We’re excited to help you develop your pitch! Let us know how we can assist you and we’ll get back to you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this tool for?
This chatbot guides you through developing a solutions journalism pitch by asking strategic questions about your story idea. It helps ensure your pitch is grounded in a real, implemented response with evidence of impact—the core of good solutions journalism.
Do I need to create an account?
No account is required to use the chatbot. But if you’d like to save your conversation and come back to it later, you can create a simple profile.
Can I save my conversation?
Yes. If you create a profile, your conversations are automatically saved. You can return to them anytime and pick up where you left off.
How long does it take to complete a pitch?
Most pitches take 20-45 minutes, depending on how much research you’ve already done. You set the pace—you can work straight through or take your time and save your progress.
What languages are supported?
The chatbot works in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. You can choose your language when you start, and you can switch between languages in different conversations.
Can I use this pitch for the Latin American Solutions Journalism Fund?
Yes! In fact, this tool was designed with Fund applicants in mind. A strong pitch from this chatbot will help you apply for our funding. Learn more about the Fund below.
What happens after I export my pitch?
Your pitch is entirely yours to use. You can share it with editors, submit it to funders, or use it to pitch your story internally at your outlet. It’s a polished, professional summary ready to present.
What if I'm new to solutions journalism?
We have resources and training for you!. The chatbot will guide you through the methodology as you develop your pitch. if you’d like a more structured learning experience, access the Latin American Solutions Journalism Fund’s Spanish-language training process, or explore the Solutions Journalism Network’s training resources in other languages.
Where can I learn the basics of solutions journalism?
We offer several ways to learn:
- Introducción al Periodismo de Soluciones: The Latin American Solutions Journalism Fund offers a Spanish-language virtual training pathway through which journalists can register for the Fund for future opportunities.
- External resources: The Solutions Journalism Network offers trainings and toolkit and guides in multiple languages.
- Luz: Even if you’re new to the approach, the chatbot can teach you as you develop your pitch.
What is the Latin American Solutions Journalism Fund?
The Latin American Solutions Journalism Fund was created by El Colectivo 506 in 2024. It supports journalists across the region who are committed to rigorous, solutions-focused reporting. We provide grants, mentorship, community, and publishing opportunities to help bring solutions stories to life.
What is El Colectivo 506?
El Colectivo 506 is a Costa Rican media organization founded in 2020. It became the first national media organization in Central America to focus exclusively on solutions and constructive journalism, and publishes digital, bilingual, monthly editions of in-depth solutions pieces.
Who can apply for grants from the Fund?
Only people who are registered with the Fund can apply for grants. To register for the Fund, people must have received training in solutions journalism, from us or a partner on our list.
How do I register with the Fund?
Create a profile on this site, respond to our entry survey, and the survey will show you how to indicate where you received prior training.
What if I would like to register for the Fund but have never received training in solutions journalism?
Complete our online training, here on the site! Create a profile, respond to our entry survey, and the site will guide you through the training videos, and activities, and a practice pitch exercise using our bot. When you have completed the training, you will be automatically registered for the Fund.
How much funding is available?
Our reporting grants are usually $500 as a recognition for the time that recipient will invest in training, one-on-one mentoring, and the production and publication of a solutions journalism piece. These amounts may vary by project.
What can I use the funding for?
The reporting grant recognizes the journalist’s time. There is no budget required or reporting on fund usage. Of course, depending on the project, it is possible the Fund will someday offer larger grants for which we ask journalists to prepare a reporting budget and indicate eligible and ineligible expenses.
Once I’m registered for the Fund, can I use Luz to help me prepare a reporting proposal?
Yes—we highly encourage it! That is part of the reason that we developed Luz as a resource for journalists. A strong pitch from Luz will strengthen your application significantly.
What's the timeline for applications?
We announce calls for proposals depending on the funding we receive at the Fund. All registered journalists are notified via email when we have a new call for proposals. We also invite all registered journalists to join our WhatsApp community.
What kind of support comes with the funding?
Beyond the grant itself, selected journalists receive mentorship from experienced solutions journalists, access to our network of reporters and editors, and support in amplifying and publishing your story.
Can international journalists apply?
Yes, as long as your story focuses on Latin America or engages with Latin American issues and audiences.
What happens after the story is published?
Your work becomes part of our growing archive of Latin American solutions journalism. We amplify published stories through our network and platforms. You also have the opportunity to share lessons learned with other journalists in our community.
How can I support the Latin American Solutions Journalism Fund?
Donations to the Fund can be made via Amigos of Costa Rica and the SOMOS Foundation, here (donations in the United States are tax-deductible)—or contact us for more information on how to partner with the Fund to create calls for proposals or other projects (katherine@elcolectivo506.com).
How can I support El Colectivo 506?
Our media organization is supported by donations and memberships from our community. Learn more here.
