IFAJ ACN PIF Stipend Application

The ACN Professional Improvement Foundation is offering six $1,250 stipends to help cover expenses for ACN members to attend the 2026 IFAJ Congress in Croatia. Apply via this form. Applications are due Friday, May 29. No late submissions will be accepted.

The 2026 IFAJ Congress will be held in and around Osijek, Slavonia and Baranja, Croatia, September 16 – 20, 2026, with pre- and post-tours also offered.

The cost is €1,090 (about $1,280) including lodging. Visit the Congress website (https://ifaj2026.danh.hr/) for more information on the location and agenda. The registration fee increases on July 1, and registration closes on July 15.

Preference for stipend recipients will go to first-time Congress attendees, but all dues-paying ACN members are encouraged to apply. After attending Congress, each stipend winner is required to write a story about the experience for The Byline. You can search The Byline archive for IFAJ to read about other members’ experiences from previous Congresses.

The International Committee will notify winners by Tuesday, June 9. All stipend winners must accept or decline the stipend by Monday, June 15. Alternates will be selected from submitted applications if a stipend winner is unable to attend.

IFAJ Stipend Application

Name(Required)

First Last

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Phone (Office)(Required)

Phone (Cell)(Required)

Email(Required)

Current Employer (Company Name)(Required)

Your Job Title at Work(Required)

Number of Years as an ACN Member(Required)

ACN Involvement (current and past committees, activities, elected office, etc):(Required)

Have you ever attended IFAJ Congress?(Required)

Yes*

*If you attended IFAJ Congress before, add the locations and years attended.

Have you ever received a stipend to attend IFAJ Congress?(Required)

Yes*

If yes, what year(s)? *Preference will be given first to applicants who have not attended any previous IFAJ Congresses and second to applicants who have not received a stipend during the past four years (2022-2025). Previous attendees and stipend recipients can still apply. If there are not enough qualified applicants for the specified number of stipends, previous attendees and recipients will be considered with the rest of the applicants.(Required)

In the space below, type a 250- to 350-word essay on why you want to attend the IFAJ Congress. Explain how the experience will increase and improve your communications skills and how you will use the information gained in your work (e.g. future articles or project ideas) and ACN involvement.(Required)

IFAJ ACN PIF Stipend Application

IFAJ Stipend Application

Forgot Username

Forgot Password