The Fund for Investigative Journalism is seeking grant proposals for independent investigative projects from journalists who need support for travel and other reporting expenses.
The deadline for proposals is 5 p.m. EDT, Monday, April 30.
FIJ is interested in proposals that break new ground and expose wrongdoing. Projects relating to government accountability and environmental issues in the United States, local or regional stories with national implications, and applications from ethnic media are strongly encouraged. It also is putting out a call for investigative proposals on issues of economic inequities in America, and climate change.
The grants are made possible through funding from the Park Foundation, the Green Park Foundation, the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation, and the public.
FIJ is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Chair in Investigative and Enterprise Reporting at the Journalism Department in the College of Media at the University of Illinois.
For more than 40 years, FIJ has supported work by independent and freelance reporters who do not have the resources to do their investigations. Grants average $5,000. The maximum grant is $10,000. The awards support the costs of reporting, such as travel and document production expenses. Small stipends will be considered as part of the overall award.
If the proposed project addresses an issue that has already been in the news, the applicant must acknowledge the work previously done, and explain how the project would break new ground.
FIJ accepts applications through its website, http://fij.org/apply-grant/. Applicants are encouraged to contact executive director Sandy Bergo with questions about the process at 202-803-5151 or via email, fundfij@gmail.com.