Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) is accepting fellowship applications for AccessFest26, its virtual conference on investigative journalism, data reporting, accessibility, equity and inclusion.

The two-and-a-half-day online conference will take place from 8 to 10 October 2026.

Selected applicants will receive complimentary conference registration and a one-year IRE membership or membership renewal.

Fellowship Details

Programme: IRE AccessFest26 Fellowships
Organisation: Investigative Reporters and Editors
Conference Format: Online
Conference Dates: 8–10 October 2026
Application Deadline: 13 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
Application Mode: Online
Application Fee: None stated
Cash Grant: Not offered

Fellowship Benefits

Selected applicants will receive:

• Complimentary registration for AccessFest26
• One-year IRE membership or membership renewal
• Access to IRE’s investigative and data-journalism training resources
• Access to IRE’s collection of reporting tipsheets
• Access to professional resources and selected reporting-tool benefits
• Connection with a professional community of investigative journalists

The membership has a stated value of approximately US$25–75, depending on the applicable membership category.

Who Can Apply?

The official application states that the fellowships are open to:

• Journalists
• Journalism students
• Journalism educators

All recipients must satisfy IRE’s membership standards.

The application form also collects information concerning professional experience, student or educator status, early-career status, identity and financial need.

International Applicants

The application form accepts a country of residence, but the official notice does not state that every applicant worldwide is automatically eligible.

Applicants outside the United States should review IRE’s membership standards or contact fellowships@ire.org before applying.

Previous Fellowship Recipients

Eligibility for IRE fellowships normally renews every three years.

For example, an applicant who received an IRE fellowship in 2025 would generally become eligible again in 2028.

About AccessFest26

AccessFest is IRE’s virtual-by-design journalism conference.

The programme combines practical investigative and data-journalism training with discussions concerning accessibility, diversity, belonging, equity and inclusion in journalism and newsrooms.

Its online format allows participants to attend professional training without travelling to an in-person conference venue.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• Personal and affiliation details
• Résumé, CV or LinkedIn profile
• One or two samples of investigative or journalistic work
• An essay explaining why they want to attend IRE training
• An explanation of what they hope to accomplish with the skills gained

Educators should explain how they would use the training for their students.

Applicants may also provide:

• A link to a portfolio
• Details of a project they would pursue after the training
• An explanation of their financial need
• Expected graduation date for student applicants
• Social-media information

How to Apply

1. Prepare an updated résumé, CV or LinkedIn profile.
2. Select one or two suitable samples of investigative or journalistic work.
3. Write an essay explaining why you want to attend the conference.
4. Explain how the training would support your professional or educational goals.
5. Upload documents to an accessible cloud-storage service when necessary.
6. Ensure that all shared document links are publicly accessible to reviewers.
7. Complete the official online application form.
8. Submit the application by 13 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Applicant Notification

IRE expects to notify applicants in late September 2026.

Important Notes

• AccessFest26 is entirely online.
• The fellowship does not provide a cash award.
• Benefits are limited to complimentary registration and a one-year IRE membership or renewal.
• Applicants must meet IRE’s membership standards.
• Fellowship eligibility generally renews every three years.
• Applicants should verify the requirements before submitting.

Official Fellowship Page

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

Official Application Form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-OExv136u7WSamiHdM4HG0Q0j8y03k_6NO-xU0zuLsmdTcw/viewform

Disclaimer

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