Fellowships & Scholarships
Investigative Reporters and Editors’ Fellowships & Scholarships support journalists and educators in advancing investigative reporting skills through training, mentorship, and project funding.
Funder: Investigative Reporters and Editors
Due Dates: September 1, 2026: The Chauncey Bailey Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship | September 1, 2026: Freelance Fellowship | September 13, 2026: AccessFest26 fellowship application
Funding Amounts: Conference registration, one-year IRE membership ($25–$75 value), and, for some fellowships, travel/lodging support or project funding (amounts vary by fellowship; up to $10,000 for select grants).
Summary: Fellowships and scholarships supporting journalists, educators, and students to advance investigative reporting skills and attend IRE events.
Description
Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) offers a suite of fellowships and scholarships aimed at journalists, educators, and students seeking to strengthen their investigative journalism skills. These awards provide recipients with complimentary registration to IRE conferences (such as AccessFest, NICAR, and the annual IRE Conference), a one-year IRE membership or renewal, and, for some fellowships, support for travel, lodging, or investigative project expenses. Programs target a variety of backgrounds and experience levels, with special opportunities for journalists of color, freelancers, those from rural or small outlets, early-career and student journalists, and educators. Some fellowships also include mentorship, data services, or funding for specific investigative projects.
