Grant money is available to independent investigative journalists, page 1

So ATS is jammed packed with smart people who enjoy research and writing. Coupled with the poor job market, this seems like a great opportunity for an up-start ATS member to get a foothold in the journalistic community.

Shoot. Maybe that grant money could go to investigating one of the thousands of ATS conspiracy topics. (There are professional journos who visit this site, I'd say maybe leave this opportunity to the younger generation).

Need money for travel and other reporting expenses? The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has grants averaging $5,000 for independent journalists who are investigating issues in the United States, especially those relating to governmental accountability, the environment, and local or regional issues with national implications. Applications from ethnic media are strongly encouraged. Applications for international projects are currently closed. The deadline for proposals is 5 p.m. EST, November 1.

Learn more at the source and how to apply: www.poynter.org...

If you need help applying or a topic to investigate, throw it out to the ATS community. Or post it here, and I'll help.

Application Process

The Fund for Investigative Journalism accepts online applications, using the form above. If this presents a hardship, please contact us by mail, phone, or email to request an exception. Large attachments, 10Mb or greater, may not go through; contact us by email if you need to send a large file.

Investigations involving government accountability, environmental issues, or local issues with national implications are encouraged. Watchdog reporting for ethnic media is also encouraged.

All applicants will be notified of decisions about six weeks after the application deadline.
Supporting Data

The applicant must write a proposal letter outlining the story, what he or she expects to prove, how this will be done, and the types of sources for the proof. Include the anticipated completion date. Project lengths typically range from a few months to one year. If more time is needed, please explain that in the proposal. For books, include the anticipated publication date.

If the proposed topic of the investigation has been covered previously, explain in the proposal what has already been done, and how the proposed investigation would break new ground or significantly advance the story.

The letter must be supported by a resume, a detailed budget to justify the size of the requested grant, two writing samples or one sample book chapter, and a signed letter of commitment from a news executive for the intended news outlet. The letter of commitment must be presented on the news outlet’s letterhead and state its intent to publish or broadcast the investigative report as proposed, as long as the finished work meets the news organization’s standards.

A letter of commitment is required for all applicants and is a non-negotiable requirement. In the case of individuals seeking grants for books, a signed copy of a contract with a publisher is required and should be substituted for the commitment letter. Applications submitted without a letter of commitment or a book contract are ineligible for grant awards.

Prospective applicants with questions about the grant-making process are encouraged to call or email Sandy Bergo at 202-391-0206 or fundfij@gmail.com.

So you need a letter from a news editor (resume and writing samples are easy) And since I'm great at creating work for other people, maybe if you have a wonderful idea, ATS management could vouch for you. (They've been known to get press credentials every now and then).

Source: www.poynter.org...

Here's the better source to apply: fij.org...

If you have the time and the drive, plus a great investigative writing idea there's no reason you can't do this. This could be fantastic opportunity for an ATS member to start a career and make a difference for this community. Plus, since you're here, you already have an analytical mind and this site is a breeding ground for interesting topics to explore. Now just imagine instead of freely posting your research here, you actually get paid for it and the respect that goes along with it becomes yours and your future.

Checklist.
1. Are you curious?
2. Can you write? (Pick up the AP Style Book if not).
3. Do you have a good idea?

Once you have a solid foundation, next...

4. Can you get ATS or another popular website to sign off on you? Can you get the appointment with management, do you have confidence? Are you trustworthy, will you sign the letter of intent to follow through?
5. Product two writing samples or a book chapter. Don't have them? Well, if you've done any substantial work on ATS you can start there. If not, get writing. Write about boring things as well as exciting things to find your "voice."

I have a journalism degree - it's not hard folks. The most important things are passion and persistence, and the ability to not kill your editor with such terrible writing.

Go for it. If you need help, let me know.

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