Fund for Investigative Journalism Seed Grants for Early Reporting in United States

The Fund for Investigative Journalism is currently accepting applications for its Seed Grants for Early Reporting in the United States for the year 2026. This program provides seed funding to journalists to support preliminary investigative reporting that may later evolve into full investigative projects.

📝 About the Fund for Investigative Journalism Seed Grants

The program is designed to enable journalists to:

• Collect documents
• Identify sources
• Conduct interviews
• Lay the groundwork for impactful investigative stories that uncover previously hidden wrongdoing

🎁 Benefits of the Seed Grants

• Upfront grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for preliminary reporting.
• Funding can cover:
  • Journalist’s time
  • Travel
  • Document acquisition
  • Investigative expenses
• Access to resources for freelancers or non-staff journalists, enabling independent reporting.
• Opportunity to apply for full grants up to $10,000 once a media outlet commits to publishing the story.
• Confidential handling of applications to protect project ideas and personal information.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

• Freelance journalists and reporters not employed full-time at a media outlet.
• U.S.-based journalists or those working on stories with a strong U.S. focus.
• Projects that require preliminary reporting to develop into a full investigative story.

📅 Application Date and Process

Steps to Apply:

1. Prepare a one-paragraph project summary outlining:
   • The preliminary reporting planned.
   • The potential investigative story it may lead to.
2. Submit a resume and two work samples demonstrating relevant reporting experience.
3. Optional: Include a letter of recommendation from an editor, mentor, or professor.
4. Funding is paid upfront to support initial reporting steps.
5. After completing preliminary reporting and securing a media outlet’s commitment to publish, apply for full funding of up to $10,000.

📌 Application Deadline

30 December, 2025

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the Fund for Investigative Journalism Seed Grants for Early Reporting in the United States
• Apply directly via the submission portal

This is a fantastic opportunity for journalists to kickstart impactful investigative projects. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• Upfront grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for preliminary reporting.
• Funding can cover the journalist’s time, travel, document acquisition, and investigative expenses.
• Access to resources for freelancers or non-staff journalists, enabling independent reporting.
• Opportunity to apply for full grants up to $10,000 once a media outlet commits to publishing the story.
• Confidential handling of applications to protect project ideas and personal information.