Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Freelance Fellowship 2026

Applications are now open for the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Freelance Fellowship 2026. The fellowship provides financial support to independent journalists working on impactful investigative journalism projects that demonstrate significance, depth, and public interest.

Established in 2008, the programme supports both long-form and short-form nonfiction investigative projects, including books, documentaries, newspaper and magazine articles, audio and video productions, and digital journalism. The fellowship is intended to help freelance journalists pursue ambitious investigations that might otherwise be difficult to complete due to financial constraints.

About the Fellowship

The IRE Freelance Fellowship was created to strengthen investigative journalism by providing funding and professional support to freelance reporters. In addition to financial assistance, fellows receive IRE membership benefits, conference participation opportunities, and legal and reporting consultation through Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors (FIRE).

The programme prioritizes investigative projects that can make a meaningful public impact, particularly those addressing whistleblowers, business ethics, accountability, and privacy issues. Projects are expected to be published or broadcast primarily in the United States and reach at least part of the American public.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive one of two fellowship awards:

Long-Term Project Award

• Up to USD 4,000 in project funding.
• One-year IRE membership.
• Registration to attend either the NICAR Conference or the IRE Conference.
• Two-hour reporting and legal consultation through Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors (FIRE).

Long-term projects include books, documentaries, cable series, and other extensive investigative reporting projects.

Short-Term Project Award

• Up to USD 2,000 in project funding.
• One-year IRE membership.
• Registration to attend either the NICAR Conference or the IRE Conference.
• Two-hour reporting and legal consultation through FIRE.

Short-term projects include newspaper and magazine articles, online investigations, audio stories, broadcast reports, and other shorter investigative works.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be journalists who earn their living primarily through freelance journalism.
• Require financial assistance to complete an investigative reporting project.
• Intend to publish or broadcast the completed work primarily in the United States.
• Ensure that the project's primary audience includes at least part of the American public.

The fellowship welcomes proposals from freelance investigative journalists working across print, digital, audio, television, documentary, and multimedia platforms.

Eligible Projects

Applications are accepted for a wide range of investigative journalism projects, including:

• Investigative books.
• Documentary films.
• Cable television series.
• Newspaper investigations.
• Magazine features.
• Online investigative reporting.
• Audio journalism and podcasts.
• Broadcast television reports.
• Multimedia investigative projects.

Projects involving whistleblowers, business ethics, government accountability, corruption, or privacy issues will receive priority consideration.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• Three published investigative journalism work samples.
• An explanation of their freelance status.
• A detailed description of the proposed investigative project.

The project description should explain:

• How the fellowship funding will be used.
• Plans for obtaining any additional funding needed.
• Intended publication or broadcast outlet.
• Any discussions already held with publishers or broadcasters.
• Expected project completion and publication timeline.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Impact of the proposed investigation.
• Breadth and significance of the reporting.
• Feasibility of completing the project.
• Public interest value.
• Priority consideration for projects addressing whistleblowers, business ethics, or privacy issues.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Prepare three investigative journalism samples.
2. Write a detailed proposal describing your investigative project.
3. Explain your freelance journalism status.
4. Provide information on your publication plans and project timeline.
5. Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.

Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.