The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) offers grants and other support to independent journalists and news organizations to produce high-quality, nonpartisan investigative stories. These stories aim to have a significant, long-term impact by exposing corruption, misconduct, and abuses of power in both public and private sectors. Grants are available for various media formats, including print, online, broadcast articles, books, films, and podcasts.
Key Details
- Provided by: The Fund for Investigative Journalism
- Location: United States
- Eligible Countries: International
- Application Deadlines:
- Regular Grants:
- Winter: January 27, 2025, 11:59 pm ET
- Spring: April 28, 2025, 11:59 pm ET
- Summer: September 8, 2025, 11:59 pm ET
- Seed Grants:
- Winter: January 31, 2025, 11:59 pm ET
- Spring: May 9, 2025, 11:59 pm ET
- Summer: September 19, 2025, 11:59 pm ET
- Announcement Date: 2-4 weeks after submission
- Types of Grants:
- Regular Grants: Up to $10,000 for investigative projects, reviewed three times a year.
- Seed Funding: Up to $2,500 for preliminary reporting leading to full investigations.
- Expedited Grants: For urgent proposals, reviewed on a rolling basis with decisions made in 2-4 weeks.
- Follow-up Grants: For timely follow-up coverage, reviewed with expedited decisions for grants up to $2,500.
- Emergency Grants (Threats to Democracy): Up to $10,000 for groundbreaking stories on threats to democracy, reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Diversity Fellowship: Aimed at increasing diversity in investigative journalism (applications posted when open).
Eligibility Criteria
- Freelancers are the primary recipients of most grants, though journalists from both traditional and nonprofit media organizations are also eligible.
- Grants are available for a wide range of media formats including books, films, podcasts, print, internet, and broadcast stories.
- Areas of Interest:
- Stories breaking new ground, exposing corruption, misconduct, or abuse of power.
- Ethnic media projects submitted by journalists of color are encouraged.
How to Apply
- Regular, Expedited, and Follow-up Grants: Use the same  application form..
- Seed Funding: A dedicated  application form is required.
- Emergency Grants: Requires a separate application form..
- Diversity Fellowships: Information is posted on the FIJ website when applications are open.
For more details and to apply, visit the Fund for Investigative Journalism website..
