Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting. IRE was formed to create a forum in which journalists throughout the world could help each other by sharing story ideas, newsgathering techniques, and news sources.
IRE strives to reflect diversity and inclusion in all of its efforts and offerings. A diverse membership strengthens IRE, helps sustain its future, and produces higher-quality journalism across the country and around the world. United, they thrive as journalists, educators, and students. United, they better serve their communities and the world.
IRE provides members access to thousands of reporting tip sheets and other materials through its Resource Center and hosts conferences and specialized training across the country. Programs of IRE include the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR), a collaboration between IRE and the Missouri School of Journalism. IRE is committed to increasing the diversity of its membership, as well as understanding how that membership is reflected in its programming. In 2023, the organization began collecting more data on the racial and gender makeup of its awards entrees in an effort to begin providing more data transparency on who is entering and winning our annual awards.
The mission of Investigative Reporters and Editors is to foster excellence in investigative journalism, which is essential to a free society. They accomplish this by:
- Providing training, resources, and a community of support to investigative journalists.
- Promoting high professional standards.
- Protecting the rights of investigative journalists.
- Ensuring the future of IRE.
Created in 2008, the fellowships are awarded for project proposals that demonstrate impact, breadth, and significance. Proposals for books, documentaries, cable series, and other long-form projects are eligible. Proposals that deal with whistleblowers, business ethics, or privacy issues will be given priority. It is intended to support work that will be primarily published or broadcast in the U.S. and in outlets where the primary audience will be at least a part of the American public.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- 1st place – $2,500 and a one-year IRE membership
- 2nd place – $1,500 and a one-year IRE membership
- 3rd place – $1,000 and a one-year IRE membership
Eligibilities
- Must be a journalist living primarily as a freelancer and need assistance in conducting investigative projects.
- Must be a freelance journalist who will publish the work primarily in the U.S. and in outlets where the primary audience will be at least a part of the American public.
Application Process
- Applications have to be submitted through the Google form. (Available on the apply link.)
- Links to the sample of works will have to be submitted through the Google form. (Available on the apply link.)
Application Deadline: August 29, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
