Regular Grants

The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) provides direct support to journalists pursuing in-depth investigative reporting that exposes wrongdoing in public or private institutions. Founded to bolster the role of journalism in holding powerful entities accountable, FIJ prioritizes investigative work that uncovers hidden truths, previously unrevealed information, and systematic failures. The Fund's mission centers on empowering reporters who strive to bring light to issues that impact the public interest. FIJ's Regular Grants support investigative stories across all media formats within the United States. These grants, awarded up to $10,000, are designed to cover reporting expenses including travel, public records fees, equipment rentals, and compensated reporting time. They are intended specifically for journalists undertaking stories that challenge institutional narratives and reveal accountability gaps. These grants are open to both freelancers and nonprofit newsrooms. While applicants are not limited by topic, all projects must have a significant U.S. angle and must be published in English through a U.S.-based media outlet. Beyond Regular Grants, FIJ also offers Seed Grants (up to $2,500) for early-stage reporting, Follow-Up Grants (up to $2,500) for continuing coverage after initial publication, and annual Alicia Patterson Fellowships offering $40,000 or $20,000 depending on the term. While Regular Grants operate on a triannual cycle—Spring, Summer, and Fall—the Seed and Follow-Up Grants are reviewed on a rolling basis. In the case of Regular Grants, applicants typically receive a decision approximately six weeks following the deadline. Applications for Regular Grants require a detailed proposal, including a summary, itemized budget, resume, work samples (clips), professional references, and a letter of commitment from a media outlet intending to publish the investigation. FIJ places strong emphasis on the integrity and confidentiality of its review process. All application materials are kept strictly confidential and are reviewed solely by the FIJ board and staff. To enhance transparency and aid applicant success, FIJ provides resources such as instructional videos and sample budgets. A compelling narrative proposal must answer five critical questions: what the investigation will expose, initial findings to date, the journalist's plan for conducting the investigation, what new revelations the project will bring forward, and why the journalist is well-positioned to pursue the story. Journalists are encouraged to present specific evidence and detailed plans, along with examples from their preliminary research. Budget proposals should be explicit, breaking down expected costs and identifying any additional funding sources, if applicable. FIJ does not fund general overhead, equipment purchases, production, or promotional expenses. The Spring 2026 Regular Grant application closes at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. For eligible applicants, the first installment of funding is disbursed upon grant approval, with the remainder released following publication. Interested journalists can apply online and are encouraged to reach out to FIJ staff at [email protected] with questions or for additional guidance.

Emphasize early findings and clearly explain what new information your investigation will uncover.