FIJ Seed Grants 2026 for Journalists with Funding up to USD 2,500

The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) offers seed grants to support journalists during the early research stages of a potential investigative reporting project.

The grant may be used to obtain documents and information, conduct interviews, and cover preliminary reporting trips that help applicants determine whether there is sufficient evidence for a full investigative story. Funding ranges from USD 1,000 to USD 2,500, and the full grant amount is paid in advance once the application is approved.

Purpose of the Grant

The grant helps journalists conduct preliminary research that may lead to an investigation uncovering:

1. Corruption or financial and administrative misconduct.
2. Abuse of power.
3. Violations committed by public or private institutions.
4. Important information that was previously hidden or unknown.
5. The entities or systems responsible for the wrongdoing.
6. Issues requiring additional documents, data, or interviews to establish the facts.

Selected journalists may receive the following benefits:

1. Funding of up to USD 2,500 to conduct preliminary research.
2. Payment of the full grant amount in advance.
3. No requirement to provide a publication commitment letter at the application stage.
4. Coverage of fees for obtaining documents and public records.
5. Coverage of preliminary reporting trips to conduct interviews and reach sources.
6. The possibility of covering part of the journalist’s time and professional fees.
7. Support for research, data collection, and information-gathering costs.
8. The possibility of receiving free editorial and legal support.
9. The opportunity to apply later for a regular grant of up to USD 10,000 after completing the initial research and securing a publication commitment.

Eligible Expenses

The grant may be used to cover direct expenses related to preliminary research, including:

1. Fees for requesting public records and documents.
2. Purchasing or obtaining documents and data.
3. Travel costs for conducting initial interviews.
4. Airfare or ground transportation.
5. Accommodation related to reporting trips.
6. Research and information-gathering expenses.
7. Interviewing sources and gaining access to relevant contacts.
8. Part of the journalist’s time dedicated to carrying out the research.
9. Rental of necessary equipment when required.

The project must meet the following requirements:

1. It must be a potential investigative journalism project.
2. It must aim to uncover misconduct or abuse that was previously hidden or unknown.
3. The journalist must have initial evidence or indicators suggesting that an important story may exist.
4. The grant must be used to obtain documents, information, or interviews that help develop the investigation.
5. The applicant must provide a clear preliminary research plan.
6. The application must explain the new information the project may uncover.
7. A detailed and justified budget must be submitted.
8. The project must have a strong connection to the United States.
9. The ultimate goal must be to publish the investigation in English through a US-based media outlet.

Eligible Applicants

The grant primarily targets:

1. Freelance journalists.
2. Journalists who are not employed in full-time editorial positions at a media organization.
3. Independent investigative documentary filmmakers.
4. Investigative podcast producers.
5. Journalists working on print, digital, radio, or television investigations.
6. Photojournalists working on investigative projects.

Learn about the courses that are in demand in the job market

See also: Various and Outstanding International Awards and Competitions 

For More Cultural Exchange Programs and Residencies