Freelance journalists are in a tight spot: subject to financial pressure, intimidation, and threats, they lack the protections offered by major media outlets. Yet they remain dedicated to investigation, balance, and “the story” – and FIJ backs them up. By covering reporting costs that freelancers often cannot afford, it advances crucial investigative projects around the globe. The four dozen grants awarded annually cover camera and recording equipment rentals, the cost of ordering public records, and travel expenses for meeting sources. FIJ-sponsored writers have garnered two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Magazine Awards, and the MacArthur “Genius” award. But the real beneficiaries are readers and citizens: reporters have exposed toxic agricultural products sold in Kenya, companies that sold overpriced seed to impoverished farmers, and human trafficking in the US. With your support, they will continue to write stories. And to break silences.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: Internationally; Our grantees report on countries throughout the world. We don't limit grants to any particular geographic region.

Age Groups Served: Adult (25-49)

Population(s) Served: All


  • The impact of our work is measured by changes that result from the stories, by the attention stories receive, and by journalism prizes.:  
    As a result of the stories produced, government officials took action, cracking down on river pollution caused by illegal fishing in Ghana, helping tenants find lawyers in New York City, and investigating whether families get accurate information about nu

Awards & Recognition

2 Pulitzer Prizes
MacArthur Genius Award
Sigma Delta Chi Awards
IRE Awards
Edward R. Murrow Award

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for Fund for Investigative Journalism is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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