The Chauncey Bailey Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship (US)

Over the course of the year, fellows receive IRE training, mentorship, data services and support — with the goal of producing an investigative reporting project to help their community. The program also provides an opportunity for the fellow’s news outlet to benefit from their investigative skill-building.

An underlying goal of the program is to increase the range of backgrounds, experiences and interests within the field of investigative journalism, where diverse perspectives are critically important.

Funding Information

• One-year IRE membership/renewal ($75 value)
• Complimentary Bootcamp registration (up to $1,250 value)
• Bootcamp travel stipend ($1,000)
• Complimentary NICAR Conference registration (Up to $499 value)
• Complimentary NICAR Conference hotel nights (up to 4 nights) (a $1,072 value)
• NICAR Conference travel stipend ($500)
• Complimentary IRE Conference registration (Up to $500 value)
• Complimentary IRE Conference hotel nights (up to 4 nights) (a $1,220 value)
• IRE Conference travel stipend ($500)
• Complimentary IRE Data Services (up to 12 hours) ($1,200 value)

Responsibilities 

• The fellow would:
  • Pitch and produce an investigative reporting project that benefits their community
  • Obtain employer support to participate in the yearlong fellowship and attend training
  • Attend an IRE Data Journalism Bootcamp
  • Attend the NICAR Conference
  • Attend the IRE Conference
  • Initiate contact and work with a mentor network made up of IRE members
  • Set up monthly video calls with their mentor network for one year, or until the project is complete, whichever comes first, to discuss the project’s progress
• The fellow would be encouraged to do the following after the fellowship concludes:
  • Serve as part of the mentor network
  • Serve on fellowship selection committee
  • Renew IRE membership

Eligibility Criteria

• U.S. journalists of color who want to improve their investigative skills. Journalists globally can apply but their work has to be for a U.S.-based audience.
• Applicants should have at least three years of post-college work experience.
• Applicants should be currently working with a supportive news organization or working as an independent journalist.
• Applicants who can propose a well-developed project which would benefit from the training and mentoring the fellow would receive.
• Students are not eligible.

Application Requirements

• LinkedIn page or link to resume
• Links to two clips showcasing investigative work
• Description of project to be tackled during the fellowship (calendar year)
• Letter of support from supervisor/management stating the newsroom/management will allow the fellow time to work on the project and time to attend all required IRE trainings included in the fellowship.
• The letter should also serve as a recommendation letter. Independent journalists, a letter of recommendation is required.

For more information, visit IRE.