The Investigative Reporters & Editors Freelance Fellowship application period for 2023 is currently open. Cash grants are offered by the IRE Freelance fellowship to help independent journalists with their investigative work.

The fellowships were established in 2008 and are given out for project proposals that show impact, breadth, and significance. Books, documentaries, TV shows, and other long-form projects are all eligible for submission. Whistleblower, business ethics, and privacy-related proposals will be given preference. It is designed to support content that will be primarily published or transmitted in the US and in media where at least a portion of the US public will be the target audience.

Benefits

• • First prize receives $2,500 and a year’s membership to IRE.

• • $1,500 and a one-year IRE membership went to the runner-up.
  • Third place receives $1,000 and a year’s membership to IRE.

Eligibility

• Open to journalists who work primarily as independent contractors and require help carrying out investigative assignments.
• freelance writers who will publish the work predominantly in the US and in publications where at least a portion of the US public will be the target audience.

Criteria

• • Proposals that show significance, effect, and breadth

• Whistleblower, business ethics, and privacy-related proposals will receive special consideration.
• Aimed at promoting works that will be largely published in the United States and in venues where at least a portion of the American public will be the target audience

Application

The following materials are needed for application:

• • Three videos demonstrating research projects

• • Give the selection committee as much information about your freelance status as is required to assess your eligibility.
  • What is your project?
  • If you get an IRE freelancing fellowship, how do you intend to use the funds?

• • How do you intend to raise the remaining funds required to finish your project if it needs more funding?
  • Where do you intend to release or broadcast the work?
  • Have you spoken with any specific outlets about publication? If so, give a summary of the discussions.

• Give details if you’ve previously signed a contract with a publication or broadcast source.
• When do you anticipate submitting the idea to a possible publisher or broadcast outlet if you win one of the fellowships?

Apply here