The Impact Fund for Reporting on Health Equity and Health Systems is a funding initiative administered by the Center for Health Journalism at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. As a prominent academic center, the USC Annenberg School is recognized for its commitment to supporting impactful journalism and promoting a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health. Through this Fund, the Center aims to empower journalists to pursue ambitious investigative or explanatory reporting on longstanding and systemic health inequities.
This particular Fund is designed to support journalists who wish to explore disparities in public health, health care policy, and medical practice. Selected grantees receive financial support in the form of a grant ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, specifically intended to offset the costs associated with in-depth reporting. Additionally, grantees participate in a five-month mentorship program with a senior journalist, gain access to monthly peer sessions for brainstorming and development, and attend a series of four webinars that delve into the theme of health equity within health systems.
The initiative recognizes the unique position of journalists in elevating awareness of systemic issues and their consequences on individuals and communities. It encourages stories that not only document inequities but also highlight potential solutions or policy changes. As such, the Fund promotes journalism that informs public discourse and drives change by combining rigorous reporting with meaningful engagement with affected communities.
The application process requires interested reporters to submit several key components: a personal statement and detailed project proposal, a statement outlining expected deliverables, a proposed budget, three recent work samples, a resume, and both a reference letter and checklist completed by an editor. While the Fund is open to both staff reporters and freelancers, freelancers must have a confirmed assignment for their proposed work. The program prefers applicants with a minimum of three years of professional journalism experience and gives priority to collaborations between mainstream and ethnic media.
Though the deadline for the 2025 cycle has passed, prospective applicants for the 2026 round are encouraged to complete a contact form on the program’s website and a representative from the center will respond promptly. The program has a national scope and is open to U.S.-based professional journalists working across media types and beats, including those without prior experience in health reporting. The emphasis remains on impactful storytelling, guided by the Center’s model of “Impact Reporting,” which merges compelling narratives with data and community input to influence policy and public awareness.
For additional questions or clarifications, applicants can reach out to the Center at [email protected]. The Center is located at 3630 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089, and can also be contacted via phone at (213) 821-8824. Although a specific timeline for the 2026 application cycle has not yet been released, the program’s recurring nature suggests it will follow a similar annual schedule, with deadlines typically announced several months in advance.
Highlight the impact of your story on structural inequities and potential policy or community outcomes.
