The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Business Journalism is now accepting applications for its Fall 2025 Fellowship cycle. The programme provides experienced journalists with the funding and editorial support to pursue and produce in-depth enterprise and investigative stories that delve into critical economic, financial, or business issues across a wide array of subjects.
Each Fellowship offers a grant of up to $15,000, with the exact amount determined by the scope and requirements of the proposed project. In addition, Fellows benefit from close editorial supervision, guidance during the reporting phase, and assistance in placing their finished work with established print, audio, and digital outlets. Published stories are also featured on the McGraw Center’s website.
The McGraw Fellowship supports deeply reported enterprise and investigative projects that bring fresh insight into pressing economic and business-related topics. Proposals may address local, national, or international issues, with particular interest in underreported communities or sectors. While applicants may not be business journalists, successful proposals will demonstrate a strong financial or economic dimension.
Since its inception, the McGraw Fellowship has supported a wide range of impactful investigations, some of which can be assessed and read on the call for Fellowship page. These projects underscore the Fellowship’s commitment to accountability journalism that informs the public and influences policy.
Projects may be produced in text, audio, photo, or short-form video formats. Multimedia approaches that combine these formats are encouraged. Please note that long-form documentaries are not supported, and the Fellowship is not a residency; all Fellows work independently from their own offices.
The fellowship is open to journalists with a minimum of five years of professional experience. Freelancers, staff reporters, and editors are eligible to apply. Applicants working at news organisations or journalism nonprofits may apply in the name of their institution. Journalists from diverse backgrounds are also strongly encouraged to submit proposals.
Applicants are asked to submit: A well-structured story proposal (no more than three pages), outlining the significance of the project, what makes it original, the proposed reporting plan, and a realistic timeline. The proposal should also note where similar work has appeared and how the applicant’s approach will differ. Applicants should also submit three published journalism samples that demonstrate their ability to execute in-depth reporting.
References are not required at the initial stage; however, finalists will be asked to provide two references from editors or others familiar with their work. Freelancers who may face challenges in securing references are encouraged to discuss alternatives with the Center.
Note that a budget is not required at the time of application. Finalists will be asked to provide an estimated budget. Freelance journalists may allocate part of their grant as a living stipend during the Fellowship period.
Application deadline is October 13, 2025.
Applications are accepted twice a year. Time-sensitive projects may also be considered outside the regular deadlines.
For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.mcgrawcenter.org/the-harold-w-mcgraw-jr-business-journalism-fellowships.
