Deadline: 30-Jan-2026
The Fund offers seed grants of $1,000–$2,500 to support early-stage investigative reporting by U.S.-based journalists or stories with a strong U.S. focus. These grants help fund preliminary reporting tasks such as document requests, source interviews, and initial reporting trips, enabling journalists to develop a full investigative project. Freelancers and non-staff reporters are eligible, with the potential to apply for full grants of up to $10,000 once a media outlet commits to publishing the story.
Overview
The Fund provides seed funding to journalists to support preliminary investigative reporting that may later evolve into full investigative projects. The program is designed to enable journalists to collect documents, identify sources, conduct interviews, and lay the groundwork for impactful investigative stories that uncover previously hidden wrongdoing.
Program Purpose
The seed funding aims to:
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Support early-stage reporting that forms the foundation for full investigative projects.
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Fund activities like open-records requests, initial reporting trips, and source interviews.
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Allow journalists to dedicate time and resources to investigating underreported issues.
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Encourage the production of stories that reveal wrongdoing or previously unknown information.
Key Benefits
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Upfront grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for preliminary reporting.
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Funding can cover the journalist’s time, travel, document acquisition, and investigative expenses.
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Access to resources for freelancers or non-staff journalists, enabling independent reporting.
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Opportunity to apply for full grants up to $10,000 once a media outlet commits to publishing the story.
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Confidential handling of applications to protect project ideas and personal information.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Freelance journalists and reporters not employed full-time at a media outlet.
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U.S.-based journalists or those working on stories with a strong U.S. focus.
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Projects that require preliminary reporting to develop into a full investigative story.
Ineligible uses of funding:
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Seed grants cannot cover only the journalist’s time; funds must be used to obtain documents or information essential to shaping the story.
How It Works / How to Apply
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Prepare a one-paragraph project summary outlining:
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The preliminary reporting planned.
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The potential investigative story it may lead to.
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Submit a resume and two work samples demonstrating relevant reporting experience.
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Optional: Include a letter of recommendation from an editor, mentor, or professor.
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Funding is paid upfront to support initial reporting steps.
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After completing preliminary reporting and securing a media outlet’s commitment to publish, apply for full funding of up to $10,000.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Requesting seed funding only to cover personal time without allocating for reporting-related expenses.
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Failing to clearly describe how preliminary reporting will lead to a full investigative story.
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Omitting required resume or work samples in the application.
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Not maintaining confidentiality when sharing sensitive project details outside the grant application process.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for seed funding?
Freelance journalists or reporters not employed full-time at a media outlet, working on U.S.-focused stories.
2. What does the seed funding cover?
Preliminary reporting expenses such as document requests, interviews, initial reporting trips, and journalist time (not exclusively).
3. How much funding is available?
Seed grants range from $1,000 to $2,500; full grants may reach $10,000 once a media outlet commits to the story.
4. Are applications confidential?
Yes, all information is kept strictly confidential by the Fund’s board and staff.
5. What materials are required for the application?
A resume, two work samples, and a one-paragraph project summary. An optional letter of recommendation may be included.
6. Can non-U.S.-based journalists apply?
Only if the story has a very strong U.S. angle.
7. When is a journalist eligible for full funding?
After completing preliminary reporting and securing a commitment from a media outlet to publish or broadcast the story.
Conclusion
The Fund’s seed grants for early-stage investigative reporting empower journalists to pursue preliminary research and reporting that may develop into impactful investigative stories. By providing upfront funding, resources, and confidentiality, the program supports journalists in uncovering previously hidden information and preparing projects for full-scale investigative funding.
For more information, visit Fund for Investigative Journalism.