An introduction to who’s funding what — and how to start your applications

When I set out to build Grants for Journalist, a database curating funding opportunities for journalists, I didn’t expect such a tremendous response.

Journalists from across the world suddenly wanted to ask me questions or chat about their work.Every one of them had an opinion on how much cash they needed to cover a new beat, what kind of database I should build, and who it should serve. Did I happen to know of a grant they could apply for?

Over the past several months, I’ve met journalists from India, Egypt, Pakistan, Kenya, France, Ukraine, and all over, and as a globalist, I’ve had a wonderful experience. It’s also been sobering. Journalists need funding — and they need it now.

When I applied for my fellowship with RJI, I wasn’t aware of any funding databases. I often shared opportunities in private Facebook groups or Slack channels. I asked other journalists how they learned about grants, and they all said the same: Google or word of mouth. 

I hope Grants for Journalists and its corresponding LinkedIn page make a bit of difference to help journalists. 

Keep in mind, this is a work in progress. Amid the ups and downs in the philanthropic landscape, the database can be challenging to manage. This is a start.

How to use the site

The website is separated into three main categories:

1. Funding for reporters. The list of grants and fellowships in this database is mostly geared toward independent reporters and those working in newsrooms. It also includes paid training programs and funding to attend professional development conferences. Use the first icon, labeled “reporting grants,” to find funding. You can also search by keyword or go directly to the “find a grant” page and search by location, deadline or subject area. The database includes grants with upcoming and rolling deadlines first.

2. Funding for newsrooms. While newsroom editors, strategists and development officers might find what they’re looking for in the reporting grants, they may find the list of more than 160 foundations (and counting) that have funded journalism most helpful. For now, most of the foundations on the list are based in the United States, although some fund projects globally.

3. A resource library. These include insightful articles to read; helpful videos to watch; links to RFPs, podcasts and grant-writing courses; and resources for funders. My favorite resource: grant applications from journalists who’ve landed funding. Thank you to them for their generosity!

This is not an exhaustive list, but a guide to start to get a sense of what’s out there. I encourage you to return to the site, which will be regularly refreshed and follow the LinkedIn page, which is updated with opportunities daily, and use the tools to help you delve deeper into your search.

I’d love for you to join me and other RJI fellows on March 5 for a demonstration of the tools we’ve developed over the last several months. (Perhaps you’ll be inspired to apply for an RJI fellowship next year!)

Next steps

I’ve been surprised by the number of funding opportunities. So many aren’t included in the databases, but perhaps will be in the future.

I set out on this project to help U.S. journalists, but in fact, journalists outside the States are following on the Grants for Journalists LinkedIn page and often write in. I’ve seen links to this project shared in social media groups of journalists from India and the U.K.

I’m an American and although I’ve worked outside of my country, I have no knowledge of journalism funding models. That said, there’s obviously a global need, so I share opportunities of interest to journalists around the world on LinkedIn and will continue to do so.

 I’m exploring what funding looks like worldwide, and whether and how to expand the database to explore more global opportunities. I’d love to get your thoughts. Also, what am I missing? What do you need? Drop me a line at monica@grantsforjournalists.com or fill out this survey to help inform what future offerings.

A few of you have indicated you’d like coaching assistance with grants or a newsletter that curates funding opportunities by date. Would that help in your search? How about an AI search tool? Feel free to let us know. 

Thank you to everyone for their assistance and input, especially Reynolds Journalism Institute, the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation, SPJ’s Freelance Community and designer and collaborator Bianca Fortis.

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Cite this article

Williams, Monica (2026, Feb. 25). Introducing Grants for Journalists. Reynolds Journalism Institute. https://rjionline.org/news/introducing-grants-for-journalists/