Funding, support available for freelance investigative journalists

Are you an independent journalist looking for support and funding for a new project? Consider applying for the Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors (FIRE) Pilot Project and IRE’s Freelance Fellowship.

Resources and support

FIRE is a one-year pilot program from Project Word that provides freelance investigative journalists with reporting tools and resources. IRE is collaborating with Project Word on the grant-funded program and will provide research and training services. Independent journalists can apply for two services:

• Help Desk: Up to an hour of a complimentary help, on a one-time basis, from basic editorial feedback to funding tips and referrals for any independent reporters — including those new to freelancing or currently without a well-developed story project.
• Virtual Newsroom: In-depth services that newsrooms traditionally make available, including limited stipends and accompanying resources: research assistance, legal review, professional trainings, and access to experienced freelance editors.

FIRE is not intended as a funding program, although a very limited number of stipends will be available. If you are looking to finance your investigation, consider applying for IRE’s Freelance Fellowship (detailed below).

Learn more about FIRE and apply by Feb. 10

Funding

IRE’s Freelance Fellowship provides awards of $1,000 or more to journalists who make their living primarily as freelancers. Applications are scrutinized by three experienced freelance journalists. Proposals are judged in part on the breadth, significance and potential impact of the investigative project. At the request of the donor, proposals dealing with whistleblowers, business ethics and/or privacy issues will receive priority; projects involving other topics will be given serious consideration by the committee as well.

Read work by previous recipients of IRE’s Freelance Fellowship and apply online by April 1.