Fund for Investigative Journalism Grant Program for Impactful Reporting (US)

The Fund for Investigative Journalism provides grants of up to $10,000 to support nonpartisan investigative reporting that exposes wrongdoing. It also offers seed grants and follow-up funding for early-stage and continued investigations. The program is open to freelance and staff journalists across multiple media formats.

What is the Fund for Investigative Journalism?

The Fund for Investigative Journalism provides financial support to journalists producing in-depth, nonpartisan investigative stories.

The fund prioritizes reporting that uncovers corruption, abuse of power, and systemic wrongdoing across public and private sectors.

Funding Details

1. Regular Grants

• Up to $10,000
• Awarded multiple times per year
• Supports full investigative projects

2. Seed Grants

• $1,000 to $2,500
• For early-stage reporting
• Covers preliminary research and fieldwork

3. Follow-Up Grants

• Up to $2,500
• For journalists who completed a prior FIJ-funded project
• Supports continued or follow-up investigations

What the Grant Covers

Funding can be used for:

• Travel expenses
• Public records and document access
• Equipment rental
• Reporting time and fieldwork costs

Key Focus Areas

1. Investigative Journalism

• Deep, evidence-based reporting
• Long-form or multi-format investigations

2. Accountability and Transparency

• Exposing corruption and misconduct
• Holding institutions accountable

3. Public Interest Reporting

• Stories that impact communities
• Issues affecting governance, rights, and society

4. Diversity in Media

• Encouraging proposals from journalists of color
• Supporting ethnic and community media

Key Concepts Explained

Investigative Journalism

A form of journalism that involves in-depth research, analysis, and reporting to uncover hidden truths.

Nonpartisan Reporting

Journalism that is objective, unbiased, and not aligned with political agendas.

Seed Funding

Initial funding to support early research and feasibility of a project.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Freelance journalists
• Staff reporters
• Media organizations

Requirements

• Must propose nonpartisan investigative work
• Must demonstrate journalistic integrity and impact potential

Why This Grant Matters

• Enables high-impact investigative journalism
• Supports stories that may otherwise lack funding
• Promotes accountability and transparency
• Encourages diverse voices in media
• Strengthens public interest reporting

How to Apply / How It Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Develop a strong investigative story idea
2. Choose the appropriate grant type
3. Prepare a detailed proposal
4. Submit the application through the FIJ platform
5. Await review and decision

What to Include in Your Application

• Story proposal and investigative angle
• Evidence of research feasibility
• Budget and expense breakdown
• Timeline for reporting
• Applicant’s experience or portfolio

Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on original, groundbreaking stories
• Show clear evidence of wrongdoing or impact
• Demonstrate feasibility and access to sources
• Provide a realistic and detailed budget
• Highlight public interest value

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting opinion-based or non-investigative ideas
• Lack of clear evidence or research plan
• Weak storytelling or unclear focus
• Unrealistic timelines or budgets
• Bias or lack of neutrality

FAQs

1. What is the maximum grant amount?

Up to $10,000 for regular grants.

2. Are there smaller grants available?

Yes, seed grants range from $1,000 to $2,500.

3. Who can apply?

Freelance journalists, staff reporters, and media outlets.

4. What types of media are supported?

Print, online, broadcast, books, documentaries, and podcasts.

5. Can I apply for follow-up funding?

Yes, if you previously received FIJ funding.

6. What expenses are covered?

Travel, documents, equipment, and reporting costs.

7. What kind of stories are prioritized?

Investigations exposing corruption, misuse of power, or wrongdoing.

Conclusion

The Fund for Investigative Journalism offers crucial support for journalists committed to uncovering truth and holding power accountable. By funding impactful investigations across formats, the program helps strengthen independent, high-quality journalism that serves the public interest.