Deadline: 28-Apr-2026
The Seed Grant Program provides funding for journalists to conduct preliminary investigative reporting that can develop into full investigative stories. Grants of $1,000–$2,500 support early reporting, including research, interviews, and obtaining public records, with potential access to larger grants up to $10,000 after media commitment.
Program Overview
The Seed Grant Program is designed to help freelance journalists initiate investigative stories by funding early-stage reporting tasks. It emphasizes uncovering previously hidden wrongdoing and creating stories with the potential for full publication or broadcast.
Key Objectives
- Support preliminary reporting trips and interviews.
- Fund the acquisition of public records and documents.
- Cover journalist time related to investigative reporting (not as the sole cost).
- Enable stories that could qualify for larger grants of up to $10,000.
Eligibility
- Freelance journalists or independent reporters (not full-time staff at media outlets).
- Based in the United States or reporting on U.S.-focused stories.
- Proposed work must be investigative in nature.
How to Apply / What to Include
- Submit a resume highlighting relevant experience.
- Provide two work samples demonstrating journalistic skill.
- Include a one-paragraph summary of the preliminary reporting plan and potential story.
- Optionally attach a letter of recommendation from an editor, mentor, or professor.
Funding Details
- Initial grant: $1,000–$2,500, disbursed upfront.
- Follow-up full grant: Up to $10,000 for projects with media publication commitment.
- Ensure the story is investigative, not general reporting.
- Include a clear plan for how the preliminary work will develop into a full story.
- Don’t rely solely on personal time as the grant expense; include costs for travel, document access, or reporting activities.
- Highlight potential impact and originality of the investigation.
FAQs
- Who can apply? Freelance journalists or independent reporters working on U.S.-related stories.
- What counts as investigative reporting? Work that uncovers previously unknown wrongdoing or issues of public concern.
- Can staff journalists apply? No, only freelancers or non-full-time staff.
- What expenses are covered? Reporting trips, document access, interviews, and part of journalist time (not as the only cost).
- How is funding distributed? Initial grant is paid upfront; larger grant depends on securing media commitment.
- Are letters of recommendation required? Optional, but recommended to strengthen your application.
Conclusion
The Seed Grant Program offers early-stage investigative journalists crucial support to develop stories that uncover hidden issues, build reporting capacity, and potentially secure full funding for publication.
For more information, visit Fund for Investigative Journalism.
