Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) is inviting applications for its 2026 Freelance Fellowship, which provides financial and professional support to independent journalists undertaking investigative projects.

The fellowship supports nonfiction journalism proposals demonstrating impact, breadth and significance. Eligible formats include articles, documentaries, books, audio and video investigations, online journalism and other long- or short-form projects.

Fellowship Details

ProgrammeIRE Freelance Fellowship 2026
OrganisationInvestigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)

Opportunity Type: Investigative Journalism Fellowship

Application ModeOnline

Application Deadline: 1 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time

Notification: Applicants are expected to be informed in mid-December 2026

Application Fee: None stated

Two Fellowship Categories

1. Long-Term Investigative Project

Selected long-term projects may receive:

  • A cash award of up to $4,000
  • One-year IRE membership
  • Choice of attending either the NICAR Conference or IRE Conference
  • A two-hour consultation for reporting and legal services from Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors (FIRE)

Eligible long-term formats include books, documentaries, cable series and other extended investigative projects.

2. Short-Term Investigative Project

Selected short-term projects may receive:

  • A cash award of up to $2,000
  • One-year IRE membership
  • Choice of attending either the NICAR Conference or IRE Conference
  • A two-hour consultation for reporting and legal services from FIRE

Eligible short-term formats include articles, online investigations and video or audio projects intended for broadcast or digital publication.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is intended for journalists who earn their living primarily through freelance work and require assistance to complete an investigative project.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

  • Genuine freelance status
  • Previous experience producing investigative journalism
  • A clear and achievable investigative project
  • A realistic publication or broadcast plan
  • The potential significance and public impact of the proposed work
  • A reasonable explanation of how the fellowship money will be used

Important US-Audience Requirement

The fellowship is not expressly limited to journalists residing in the United States. The official application form permits applicants to select a country other than the US.

However, the proposed work must be intended primarily for publication or broadcast in the United States or through an outlet whose principal audience includes at least part of the American public.

Therefore, journalists living in India or another country may potentially apply only when they have a suitable US publication or US-audience distribution plan.

Priority Subjects

IRE states that preference will be given to proposals dealing with:

  • Whistleblowers
  • Business ethics
  • Privacy issues

Projects covering other subjects may also be considered when they demonstrate sufficient impact, breadth and significance.

Eligible Project Formats

Applications may be submitted for:

  • Newspaper or magazine investigations
  • Investigative online articles
  • Niche news publications
  • Documentary projects
  • Books
  • Cable series
  • Audio investigations
  • Video journalism
  • Broadcast reports
  • Other nonfiction investigative projects

Required Application Materials

Applicants must provide:

  • Three samples showcasing investigative work
  • A detailed explanation of their freelance status
  • Selection of either the short-term or long-term project category
  • A one- or two-sentence project summary
  • A detailed project description of 200–1,000 words
  • The project’s total budget
  • The amount of additional funding required
  • A plan for raising any remaining funds
  • An explanation of how the fellowship money will be spent
  • The intended publication or broadcast outlet
  • Details of discussions with prospective publishers or broadcasters
  • Information about any existing publication contract
  • An expected project-delivery timeline
  • An optional portfolio link

If a work sample is not publicly available online, applicants may upload it to Google Drive or Dropbox and provide an accessible link.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be assessed according to:

  • Potential impact
  • Breadth of the investigation
  • Significance of the subject
  • Strength and practicality of the reporting plan
  • Applicant’s investigative experience
  • Clarity of the project budget
  • Prospects for publication or broadcast
  • Relevance to an American audience

How to Apply

1. Select either the short-term or long-term project category.

2. Prepare a clear description of the proposed investigation.

3. Develop a realistic project budget and spending plan.

4. Identify the publication or broadcast outlet you intend to approach.

5. Prepare three investigative work samples.

6. Explain your freelance status in no more than 200 words.

7. Complete the official online application form.

8. Submit the application by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on 1 September 2026.

Important Notes

  • The maximum amount is $4,000 for long-term projects and $2,000 for short-term projects.
  • Receiving the maximum award is not guaranteed.
  • Applicants must primarily earn their living through freelance journalism.
  • Applicants do not necessarily have to reside in the United States.
  • The proposed work must primarily be published or broadcast in the US or serve part of the American public.
  • Applicants should ensure that shared work-sample links are accessible to the selection committee.
  • All information should be verified on the official website before submission.

Official Fellowship Page

https://www.ire.org/training/fellowships-and-scholarships/freelance-fellowship/

Official Application Form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyh-MOmXAFntmwOPCebCpCBX3nfPQMnei3Qpbb2-1-0V7Gqg/viewform

Disclaimer

Media Hole shares fellowships and professional opportunities for informational purposes. Funding, eligibility, benefits, deadlines and selection procedures may be revised by the organising institution. Applicants must verify the latest conditions through the official fellowship page before applying. Media Hole is not associated with IRE or the selection process.