Investigative Journalism Grants

Duncan Report pays grants to independent journalists to produce serious reporting on the major issues facing the country. We fund the work itself — the research, the records requests, the data analysis, and the finished articles — so that independent reporters can pursue stories of national importance without a newsroom behind them.

Our focus is issues of national importance. That includes, but is by no means limited to:

Government spending, waste, fraud, and accountability
The integrity and administration of elections
Public safety and the justice system
Immigration and border security
The cost, quality, and access of health care
Education, from K–12 through the universities
Energy and the reliability of the power grid
National security and defense
Civil liberties, free speech, and due process
Big Tech, artificial intelligence, and data privacy
The transparency and accountability of government at every level

We are especially interested in reporting that digs into primary sources — FOIA and public-records requests and the patient data analysis that turns documents into findings. The aim is to help independent journalists build their footprint and their reputation; in return, we ask only for the right of first publication.

This is not a blind email. If you take the time to apply, we will do our best to at least speak with you directly — we want to acknowledge the effort, and often that conversation is where the strongest version of a story takes shape.

Grants & support
Initial research: $2,500. A fully investigated story: $10,000. For reporting of unusual importance — the kind of story that can move a national conversation — a grant can run well beyond $10,000.
Money isn't the only thing we offer. Depending on what a project needs, Duncan Report can also provide administrative and logistical support, help with records requests and data, legal review, and editorial guidance. Tell us what would make your reporting possible.

Application

Fields marked * are required. Tell us as much as you can about the story — the more concrete, the better. You can also email the same information directly to contact@duncanreport.com.

Full name * Email * Phone *

We call applicants directly, so a good number matters.

Location (city, state) Publication or outlet (if any)

Independent / freelance is welcome — just say so.

Links to your prior work Topic area * Detailed description of the proposed investigation *

What is the story or question? Why does it matter nationally? What is your evidence or lead so far, what would you do with the grant, and what do you expect to produce?

Does this involve FOIA / public-records requests or data analysis? If so, describe. Grant you're applying for * Estimated timeline Anything else, or other support you'd need

By applying you acknowledge that Duncan Report requests right of first publication for work it funds. Applying does not guarantee a grant.