Field Reporting Grants

The Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources (IJNR) is now accepting proposals for its 2026 Field Reporting Grants. IJNR is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting environmental journalism through experiential learning, reporting grants, and mentorship. These grants aim to empower professional journalists to produce in-depth reporting on critical issues related to natural resources, the environment, energy, development, climate change, agriculture, environmental justice, and public health. By easing financial constraints, IJNR seeks to make it feasible for journalists to pursue stories they might not otherwise be able to report. The 2026 Field Reporting Grants are intended for professional journalists, including freelancers, who can demonstrate a continued commitment to fairness, accuracy, and journalistic integrity. Funding may be used for typical reporting-related expenses such as travel, lodging, and research, with a maximum of 20% of the grant permitted for personal compensation. IJNR encourages journalists of color and others from historically marginalized communities to apply, and priority will be given to applicants who have not received a grant from IJNR in the past three years. Projects must be based in or directly related to North America, and all work funded through this program must be completed within one year of receiving the award. Applicants may submit one proposal per cycle and may submit it under multiple categories, although only one grant per cycle will be awarded per applicant. While the total project budget may exceed the grant amount, applicants are expected to demonstrate in their proposal how IJNR funding will cover a specific portion. The exact grant limits vary by category and must not be exceeded. Grants may be awarded at the full or partial amount requested, and IJNR reserves the right to withhold awards in a given year based on the quality of applications received. Eligible applicants must be working journalists and are not limited by their current employment structure—freelancers and journalists affiliated with reporting organizations may apply as individuals. However, the program explicitly excludes lobbyists, PR professionals, and those writing solely on behalf of organizations or government entities. IJNR does not issue grants directly to journalism nonprofits or media organizations, though individuals working for such entities are welcome to apply independently. Successful applicants retain full editorial control of their work, and IJNR commits to maintaining confidentiality regarding applicants’ proposed story topics until publication. Grant recipients will be expected to submit a brief progress report during the reporting process and notify IJNR upon publication of their work. Acknowledgment of IJNR’s support in the final story is encouraged where editorially permitted. Administrative requirements include depositing or cashing the grant check within 90 days of issuance to avoid forfeiture and adhering to IRS tax reporting regulations, which may include the issuance of a 1099 form. Grants cannot be used retroactively for reporting work that has already been completed. IJNR does not assume any legal or safety responsibility associated with grant-supported reporting activities.