The Fund for Investigative Journalism [1] (FIJ) invites applications three or four times per year for stories that break new ground and expose wrongdoing – such as corruption, malfeasance, or misuse of power – in the public and private sectors. The Fund accepts applications for projects on domestic and international issues.
Regular grants of up to $10,000 cover out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, document collection, and equipment rental. The Fund also considers requests for small stipends.
Open to freelance journalists, staff reporters and media outlets. Investigations can be for print, online or broadcast stories, books, documentaries or podcasts.
Types of grants available:
- Regular grants: We review proposals three to four times a year for grants up to $10,000. The next deadline is Jan 26, 2026.
- Seed funding: We provide small grants, up to $2,500, for preliminary reporting that can lead to full investigations. These grants cover costs like open-records requests and initial reporting trips. The next deadline is Jan 29, 2026.
- Follow-up grants: We accept proposals for timely follow-up coverage to original investigations that were produced with grants from the Fund. Grantees can apply for expedited review for follow-up grants up to $2,500.
- Regular grants for those who have previously received Seed funding: We review proposals for individuals who received Seed funding from FIJ for grants up to $10,000 on a rolling basis. Applicants receive a decision within about two to four weeks.
- Diversity Fellowship: In our commitment to increasing diversity in the field of investigative journalism, the Fund for Investigative Journalism offers diversity fellowships. Information about these fellowships will be posted to our website when applications are open.
Learn more about how to request mentorship [2] in the application process from a past grantee.