Fund for Investigative Journalism

Grant for Freelance and Staff Investigative Journalists

$1,000–$10k

Amount

Cash

Sep 14, 2026

Deadline

2 days left

United States

Geography

National

Grant

Type

Non Profit

Journalism & Independent Media

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About this grant

Provides grants to support reporters producing high-quality, unbiased, nonpartisan investigative stories with real-world impact. Funding covers out-of-pocket reporting expenses such as travel, document collection, equipment rental, and reporting time. Eligible formats include print, online, broadcast, books, documentaries, and podcasts.

What you get

Regular grants up to $10,000 for full investigative proposals
Seed funding grants of $1,000–$2,500 for preliminary reporting
Follow-up grants up to $2,500 for timely follow-up to previously funded investigations
Decision within approximately six weeks of deadline for regular grants
Decision within two to four weeks for rolling regular grants (previous seed grantees)

How to apply

Online application form via Submittable
Detailed budget in required format (Word or PDF)
Letter of Commitment from a news outlet (for full investigative proposals)
For books: signed book contract from publisher
For documentaries: letter of support from distributor or broadcaster

Eligibility

Must be a freelance journalist, staff reporter, or media outlet
Full investigative proposals require a Letter of Commitment from a news outlet agreeing to publish or air the story
International story proposals must have a strong U.S. angle involving American citizens, government, or business
All stories must be published in English and have a U.S. media outlet
No resubmissions of previously declined proposals unless specifically invited
Only one proposal per applicant per grant cycle (rare exceptions by email request)

See the rest of this grant

Grant for Freelance and Staff Investigative Journalists

About this grant

What you get

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