Freelance Fellowship

Journalists who make their living primarily as freelancers and need assistance in conducting investigative projects. Freelance journalists who will publish the work primarily in the U.S. and in outlets where the primary audience will be at least a part of the American public.

• 1st place – $2,500 and a one-year IRE membership
• 2nd place – $1,500 and a one-year IRE membership
• 3rd place – $1,000 and a one-year IRE membership

• Three clips showcasing investigative work
• Explain your freelance status in as much detail as necessary for the selection committee to determine your eligibility
• Describe your project.
  • How do you plan to spend the money if you receive one of the IRE freelance fellowships?
  • If your project requires additional funding, how do you plan to raise the rest of the funding necessary to complete your project?
  • Where do you hope to publish or air the project?
  • Have you discussed publication with any specific outlets? If so, please summarize the conversations.
    • If you have already signed a contract with a publisher or broadcast outlet, please provide specifics.
  • If you receive one of the fellowships, when do you expect to deliver the project to a potential publisher or broadcast outlet?

• Proposals which demonstrate impact, breadth and significance
• Proposals that deal with whistleblowers, business ethics or privacy issues will be given priority
• Intended to support work that will be primarily be published in the U.S. and in outlets where the primary audience will be at least a part of the American public

Every donation made to support our Freelance Fellowship program will be matched up to a total of $15,000, thanks to a generous donation from the donor who established the fund.

Click here to make a secure credit card donation. Please put “Freelance Fellowship” in the line about donating to a specific fund.