Journalists of color apply now for investigative reporting fellowship

By Mary Fricker

Journalists of color are encouraged to submit applications by September 1 for an investigative-reporting fellowship named in Chauncey Bailey’s honor.   Apply here.

The yearlong program will prepare and support a journalist of color for a career in investigative reporting. It provides assistance to attend multiple trainings by Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE).

“IRE honoring Mr. Bailey in this way is a testament to the importance of knowing you cannot kill a story by killing a journalist,” said Bob Butler, a journalist of color with KCBS Radio in San Francisco for 42 years and one of the founding members of The Chauncey Bailey Project, which investigated Bailey’s murder.

“Established in 2019, the Chauncey Bailey Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship supports journalists of color interested in investigative journalism,” says an IRE announcement. “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.”

The project’s 2025 fellows are doing this work, the IRE announcement says:

José Ignacio Castañeda Perez is focusing on the impacts recent changes in the U.S. immigration system are having immediately on communities in Delaware, including the examination of immigrant working class’ contributions to the state’s economy in a place not always associated with migrant labor.

Daniela Ibarra is focusing on how, among more than 400,000 teachers and staff members who educate Texas public school students, some have been injured by students in Texas

Aallyah Wright is focusing on an examination of nearly a century of impacts after the passage of the first Farm Bill, formerly known as the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA). Its consequences can still be felt today, particularly on Black farmers in the South. Her project will examine how the policies and the role of the county-based committee systems continue to affect generations of Black families in the South, and how this is one of many of our country’s structures with deep-rooted discrimination in agricultural and financial institutions.

The IRE announcement provides the following information:

Who is eligible?

• 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.

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

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.