Quarterly Deadline for Fund for Investigative Journalism Grants
Source: Fund for Investigative Journalism
Freelance journalists, staff reporters and media outlets can apply for grants and other support from the Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). Investigations can be for print, online or broadcast stories, books, documentaries or podcasts. The FIJ reviews proposals for regular grants up to US$10,000 three or four times a year; the next deadline is Monday, September 14, 2026; the deadline for small grants up to US$2,500 for preliminary reporting that can lead to full investigations is also September 14. The FIJ’s Alicia Patterson fellowships — US$40,000 for 12 months or US$20,000 for six months — are awarded annually.
Tunisia Arrests Mohamed Yousfi, Al-Katiba Editor-in-Chief
Source: CPJ
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Tunisian authorities to release journalist Mohamed Yousfi, editor-in-chief of local investigative news website Al-Katiba, who was arrested by police from the financial crimes unit on Friday. Yousfi, a well-known critic of President Kais Saied’s government, was questioned about his work at Al-Katiba, his social media posts, and alleged financial offenses. CPJ added that his arrest raised concerns that financial crime allegations are being used as a pretext to target critical journalists. Yousfi was hospitalized after falling ill in custody and underwent an appendectomy. He remains hospitalized and has not been permitted visitors.
Maltese Court Aquits Businessman Charged with Ordering Assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia
Source: RSF
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in a statement that it was “outraged” by the acquittal of Yorgen Fenech, the Maltese businessman, of charges of complicity and criminal association in the car bomb assassination of prominent journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017. “The verdict means that almost nine years since the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the Maltese authorities have failed to identify and convict the mastermind.” Press freedom organizations, politicians, and observers have expressed shock about the verdict, which followed Malta’s longest running murder trial. The prosecution is expected to appeal.
Apply for Pulitzer Center’s Ocean Reporting Network
Source: Pulitzer Center
Applications are open for the fourth cohort of the Ocean Reporting Network (ORN), the Pulitzer Center’s unique program of grants and fellowships to build an ecosystem of cross-border investigative journalists on the “final frontier for environmental reporting” — uncovering illegal fishing and extractive industries, threats to marine biodiversity, resource challenges, and more. Fellows receive financial and editorial support — the Center will cover reporters' salaries for one year — and work on individual and collaborative projects. Staff and freelance journalists can participate, and it’s a full-time commitment. The deadline for proposals is September 13, 2026.
Travel Fellowships: 2027 World Conference of Science Journalists
Source: WCSJ2027
The biennial World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ2027) — hosted by the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) and the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) — will be held in London, UK, on 6-9 September, with the theme ‘Strengthening science journalism through global networks.’ Travel fellowships are available to support journalists, journalism students, or students in related fields who would otherwise be unable to attend. Fellows will receive financial support towards travel, visa costs, limited local transport and up to six nights of accommodation. Applications are now open and close on October 23, 2026.
AIJC Fellowships for Francophone Investigative Journalists
Source: AIJC
French-speaking investigative journalists from Francophone countries in Africa can apply for fellowships to attend the 2026 African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from November 10-12, 2026. The fellowship covers travel costs such as flights, visas, shuttles, accommodation, and meals. Applicants must have a valid passport. Fellows will be required to produce at least one piece of investigative journalism (online, print, or broadcast) based on material or topics gathered at the 2026 AIJC. The application deadline is September 4; check the fellowship link for a full list of countries included.
First Breakwater Festival To Be Held in Poland
Source: Breakwater Festival
The first festival to unite journalists from Poland, the Nordic countries, and Central and Eastern Europe, Breakwater Festival is a three-day gathering of reporters, editors, and media innovators focusing on “investigative and quality journalism in practice.” The festival will be held September 24-27, 2026 in Gdansk, Poland, with sessions organized around investigative journalism, data, art and media, sustainability, films and storytelling, and exiled media. Tickets range from E120-200, with options for discounts, fellowships, and volunteers. The festival is organized by the Reporters Foundation, an independent investigative hub for journalism in Poland.
Pitch Your Investigation to Follow the Money
Source:
The Netherlands-based investigative news outlet Follow the Money is looking for “ambitious investigations that reveal wrongdoing, uncover corruption, and hold power to account” and stories on “ individuals, institutions, or corporations that evade accountability, serve private interests, and undermine democracy in Europe.” Follow the Money provides substantial feedback on pitches and works closely with journalists during the reporting process. Freelancers or journalists who work with a newsroom open to collaborations should fill out a pitch form available on their website and send it to pitches@ftm.eu.
Five News Professionals Sentenced to Over a Decade in Prison in Azerbaijan
Source: RSF
On July 27, a court in Baku sentenced five journalists and staff members from Toplum TV, an independent outlet, to prison terms ranging from 12 to almost 14 years. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the trial, which it said “illustrates the escalating crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan.” The Toplum TV staff, including its director, journalists, and a social media manager, were convicted on charges of "smuggling foreign currency" and "illegal entrepreneurship.” All have pleaded not guilty and maintain that the legal case against them is in retaliation for their reporting. Their lawyers announced they will appeal.
Investigative Journalists Honored at Press Freedom Awards at Colombia’s Gabo Festival
Source: Gabo Festival
At the Gabo Festival in Bogotá, Colombia, the International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) announced this year’s recipients of the World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer awards. The former's recipients are Patricia Evangelista (Philippines), Mónica González (Chile), and Hungary’s independent journalists; the latter's are the Latin American Center for Investigative Journalism (El CLIP) and Abzas Media and Meydan TV (Azerbaijan). “This year’s recipients come from different countries, generations, and political contexts. Yet what they all have in common is their dedication to holding power to account,” said IPI executive director Scott Griffen.