Deadline: September 1, 2026
Applications are open for the Chauncey Bailey Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship 2027. The yearlong program is intended to prepare and support a journalist of color for a solid career in investigative reporting. It provides assistance to attend multiple IRE trainings, including a Data Journalism Bootcamp, the NICAR Conference, the IRE Conference and much more.
Established in 2019, the Chauncey Bailey Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship supports journalists of color interested in investigative journalism. 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.
The fellowship is made possible by the generosity of IRE members and news organization sponsors.
Fellow’s Duties
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
- Open to 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
Required application materials:
- 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 Chauncey Bailey Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship.
