Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting, has opened applications for its 2026 Freelance Fellowship, which provides cash awards to assist independent journalists with investigative reporting projects.
The fellowship, established in 2008, supports nonfiction project proposals that demonstrate impact, breadth, and significance, and is open to a range of investigative projects, including books, documentaries, cable series, and other long-form work, as well as shorter-term video and audio projects for broadcast or online platforms and articles for newspapers, magazines, online sites, and niche news publications.
Proposals that focus on whistleblowers, business ethics, or privacy issues will receive priority. The fellowship is intended to support investigative work that will be primarily published or broadcast in the United States and through outlets whose primary audience includes at least part of the American public.
The fellowship is open to freelance journalists who require financial assistance to conduct investigative projects.
The fellowship offers two categories of awards. Journalists undertaking long-term projects may receive up to US$4,000, along with a one-year IRE membership, opportunity to attend either the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR) Conference or the IRE Conference, and a two-hour consultancy for reporting and legal services from Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors (FIRE). Long-term projects may include books, documentaries, cable series, and other forms of long-form investigative work.
Journalists working on short-term projects may receive up to US$2,000, a one-year IRE membership, the opportunity to attend either the NICAR conference or the IRE Conference, and a two-hour consultancy for reporting and legal services from Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors (FIRE). This includes video or audio projects for broadcast or online sites; articles for newspapers, magazines, online sites, and niche news publications; among others.
Eligible short-term projects may include video or audio productions for broadcast or online platforms, as well as articles for newspapers, magazines, online publications, and niche news outlets.
Applicants are required to submit three clips demonstrating their investigative journalism experience and provide an explanation of their freelance status in sufficient detail for the selection committee to determine their eligibility. Applicants must also describe the investigative project they intend to undertake and explain how they would use the fellowship funds if selected.
The project description must also explain how the applicant intends to secure any additional funding required to complete the investigation, identify where the completed work is expected to be published or broadcast, and indicate whether the applicant has already discussed publication or broadcast with specific outlets. Where an applicant has already signed a contract with a publisher or broadcaster, details of the agreement should be provided. Applicants must also state when they expect to deliver the completed project to a potential publisher or broadcast outlet if they receive the fellowship.
Applications will be assessed based on the extent to which the proposed projects demonstrate impact, breadth, and significance.
The deadline for applications is Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Applicants will be notified of the outcome in mid-December 2026.
Interested journalists can apply online through the IRE Freelance Fellowship application form. The fellowship provides an opportunity for independent journalists to obtain financial and professional support for investigative projects while gaining access to IRE membership, conference participation and specialised reporting and legal consultancy.
Interested freelancers should please click here to apply.
