Deadline: 26-Jan-2026
The Fund for Investigative Journalism provides grants of up to $10,000 to support reporters in producing high-quality, nonpartisan investigative stories. The program funds freelance journalists, staff reporters, and media outlets working across print, online, broadcast, and multimedia formats, with an emphasis on exposing wrongdoing, underreported issues, and holding power accountable. Diversity and inclusion are prioritized, encouraging submissions from journalists of color and ethnic media.
Overview
The Fund for Investigative Journalism supports journalists in pursuing rigorous, independent investigative reporting. Grants are aimed at uncovering corruption, malfeasance, misuse of power, and other underreported issues, providing journalists with the resources needed to produce stories that can influence public understanding, policy, and accountability.
Program Purpose
The Fund’s objectives include:
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Supporting high-quality, nonpartisan investigative reporting.
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Enabling journalists to expose wrongdoing in public and private sectors.
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Encouraging stories that challenge narratives, hold institutions accountable, and uncover hidden issues.
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Promoting diversity by supporting journalists of color and ethnic media.
Key Benefits
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Grants of up to $10,000 per project.
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Funding available three to four times a year, depending on proposal review cycles.
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Support for a wide range of formats: print, online, broadcast, books, documentaries, and podcasts.
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Encouragement of underrepresented voices and ethnic media coverage.
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Resources to inform the public, influence policy, and strengthen democratic accountability.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Freelance journalists.
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Staff reporters at media outlets.
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Media organizations producing investigative work.
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Individuals or organizations producing work in any investigative format that aligns with the Fund’s mission.
Why It Matters
The Fund is significant because it:
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Promotes truthful, nonpartisan investigative journalism that holds power to account.
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Supports projects with societal impact, influencing policy and public understanding.
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Provides flexible funding across various media formats.
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Amplifies voices from underrepresented communities, enhancing diversity in journalism.
How to Apply / How It Works
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Prepare a project proposal describing the investigative story, its objectives, and expected outcomes.
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Identify the medium for the story (print, online, broadcast, book, documentary, or podcast).
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Submit your application according to Fund guidelines, including prior work samples.
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Applications are reviewed three to four times a year, with grants awarded based on impact, originality, and feasibility.
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Upon approval, grant funds are provided to support investigative work, including research, reporting, travel, and production costs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting non-investigative or partisan reporting projects.
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Failing to demonstrate clear public impact or accountability outcomes.
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Omitting work samples or evidence of reporting experience.
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Neglecting to explain how the project uncovers new or hidden information.
FAQ
1. Who can apply?
Freelance journalists, staff reporters, and media organizations producing investigative work.
2. What funding is available?
Grants of up to $10,000 per project, awarded three to four times a year.
3. Which formats are eligible?
Print, online, broadcast, books, documentaries, and podcasts.
4. Are journalists of color or ethnic media encouraged to apply?
Yes, the Fund prioritizes submissions that amplify underrepresented voices.
5. Can the funding be used for international reporting?
Yes, provided the project aligns with the Fund’s mission of investigative journalism and public impact.
6. What types of stories are preferred?
Stories exposing wrongdoing, corruption, malfeasance, underreported issues, or holding institutions accountable.
7. How are applications evaluated?
Based on originality, potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with the Fund’s mission.
Conclusion
The Fund for Investigative Journalism empowers journalists to conduct rigorous, independent investigations that expose wrongdoing and inform the public. By offering grants, professional support, and encouraging diversity, the Fund strengthens investigative reporting that has tangible societal impact and reinforces democratic accountability.
For more information, visit Fund for Investigative Journalism.
