Grant Information
FIJ encourages applications for investigations of economic inequities and climate change issues, in addition to watchdog reporting within the United States. Reporting for ethnic media is also strongly encouraged.
The Fund’s Board of Directors meets periodically throughout the year to consider grant applications for investigative projects and books. The next deadline is February 15, 2012, and will be followed by deadlines to be determined in April and September 2012.
It is Fund policy to pay the first half of approved grants to successful applicants, with the second half of the grant paid on evidence of publication of a finished project in accordance with the original proposal. Second half grants are not guaranteed if projects are not completed in a timely fashion or if the projects are published in a different form or in a different outlet than originally proposed.
All entries must be written in English.
The average grant is $5,000. The Fund will pay for out-of-pocket expenses such as travel costs or public records document fees. The Fund grants will not cover grantees’ writing fees or salaries, the costs of purchasing equipment, or other capital expenses.
In exceptional cases, the Fund will consider awarding a small stipend as part of the grant.
Once approved, grantees will be invited to participate in a mentoring program jointly sponsored by the Fund and Investigative Reporters and Editors.
The Fund is not currently accepting applications for the $25,000 Gene Roberts Book Award.
Application Process
The Fund for Investigative Journalism accepts online applications, using the form above. If this presents a hardship, please contact us by mail, phone, or to request an exception. Large attachments, 10Mb or greater, may not go through; contact us by email if you need to send a large file.
All applicants will be notified of decisions four to six weeks after the application deadline.
Supporting Data
The applicant must write a proposal letter outlining the story, what he or she expects to prove, how this will be done, and the types of sources for the proof. Include the anticipated completion date. Project lengths typically range from a few months to one year. If more time is needed, please explain that in the proposal. For books, include the anticipated publication date.
FIJ supports investigations that break new ground. If an applicant proposes an investigation into a topic that has received some coverage, proposals should include a statement briefly summarizing what has already been reported, and explain how the applicant’s investigation would significantly advance the story.
The letter must be supported by a resume, a detailed budget to justify the size of the requested grant, two writing samples or one sample book chapter, and a signed letter of commitment from a news executive for the intended news outlet. The letter of commitment must be presented on the news outlet’s letterhead and state its intent to publish or broadcast the investigative report as proposed, as long as the finished work meets the news organization’s standards.
A letter of commitment is required for all applicants and is a non-negotiable requirement. In the case of individuals seeking grants for books, a signed copy of a contract with a publisher is required and should be substituted for the commitment letter. Applications submitted without a letter of commitment or a book contract are ineligible for grant awards.
Prospective applicants with questions about the grant-making process are encouraged to call or email Sandy Bergo at 202-391-0206 or .