[Pulitzer Center](https://pulitzercenter.org)

Rolling

No set budget range; funding matches project scope and ambition.

Supports freelance and staff journalists working with U.S. local news outlets to produce in-depth, underreported, and investigative stories impacting communities.

Requires a commitment from a U.S. local news outlet to publish the work.

--- ## Description The U.S. Local News Reporting Grants, offered by the Pulitzer Center, provide financial support to freelance and staff journalists (or collaborative teams) working with local U.S. news outlets. The initiative aims to strengthen local journalism by enabling the production of enterprise and investigative reporting on underreported stories that impact communities. The Center values data-driven, investigative, and accountability journalism addressing systemic issues and holding local power to account. Projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in local newsrooms are especially encouraged. The grant also supports educational outreach and public engagement around funded stories. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline. - Applicants are typically notified within a month if their proposal is under consideration. - If the reporting is urgent or time-sensitive, applicants should indicate this in their application. --- ## Funding Amount - There is no set minimum or maximum award amount. - The Pulitzer Center funds projects of any scope and size, with budgets tailored to the true costs and ambition of the proposed reporting. - Grants cover the hard costs of reporting (e.g., travel, data acquisition, contractor fees). - Stipends for freelance journalists may be considered in exceptional cases; staff salaries and equipment purchases are not funded. --- ## Eligibility - Open to freelance and staff journalists, as well as collaborative groups, working with or for local U.S. news outlets. - Journalists from all backgrounds and countries are eligible, but the reporting must be published in a U.S. local news outlet. - Applicants must provide a commitment (or strong interest) letter from a U.S. local news outlet willing to publish the resulting work. - Projects must focus on in-depth, enterprise, or investigative reporting on underreported local issues. - The Pulitzer Center especially encourages applications from journalists and newsrooms representing diverse, underrepresented, and economically varied backgrounds. - Academic reports, advocacy campaigns, book projects, feature-length films, staff salaries, and equipment purchases are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Submit an application through the [Pulitzer Center Grant Application Form](https://pulitzercenter.tfaforms.net/236721). - Applications are accepted in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, or bahasa Indonesia. - Required materials: - Project description (max 250 words) - Preliminary budget estimate with a breakdown of costs - Distribution plan, including a letter of commitment or interest from a U.S. local outlet - Work samples - CV(s) of the applicant(s) - The Pulitzer Center reviews applications regularly and matches them with the best-fitting grant initiative. - Applicants will receive a response within two to four weeks; urgent projects may be prioritized if justified. --- ## Additional Information - Grants do not fund general operating expenses, routine breaking news, advocacy/marketing campaigns, or academic data projects. - Editorial independence is guaranteed. - The Center encourages creative outreach and audience engagement strategies beyond publication, such as events or educational initiatives. - Payment is made in two installments: half upon project approval and paperwork, half upon completion. --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://pulitzercenter.org/grants-fellowships/opportunities-journalists/us-local-news-reporting-grants) - [How to Apply](https://pulitzercenter.org/how-apply) - [Grant Application Form](https://pulitzercenter.tfaforms.net/236721) - [FAQ](https://pulitzercenter.org/applying-reporting-grant-frequently-asked-questions) - [Pulitzer Center Grant Opportunities](https://pulitzercenter.org/reporting-grants-fellowships) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|----------------------------------------------| | Email | [reacheditorial@pulitzercenter.org](mailto:reacheditorial@pulitzercenter.org) | | Address | Pulitzer Center, 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite #7000, Washington, DC 20006 | | Phone | (202) 332-0982 | ---

U.S. Local News Reporting Grants

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