The IIJ’s webinars are back!

If you’re interested in pursuing health and science journalism and learning about the evidence-based reporting and ethical considerations that are integral to the field, join us for our Sept. 29 health and science journalism webinar.

Or maybe you want to learn about different types of insurance and how to research the coverage and policies that might fit your freelance career the best? Come to our Oct. 27 webinar.

We are also planning a Nov. 17 panel discussion on business and personal finance journalism, from pitching to reporting and writing, and a travel and lifestyle journalism webinar on Dec. 8.

All webinars are on Fridays, from 12-1:15 pm ET, and space is limited. Please go to our website to RSVP and secure your spot.

Come Hang Out With the IIJ This Summer!

The IIJ thanks everyone who came out for our meetups in Miami and D.C.! It’s been great connecting with everyone and discussing the ins and outs of freelance journalism.

If you want to meet more fellow freelance journalists and come to a meetup, now is your chance! The IIJ is hitting the road to several different journalism conferences this summer, including the Online News Association and the Association of LGBTQ Journalists convention. So if you’re in Philly, come say hi!

If you’re interested in attending a meetup, RSVP here.

For more details, scroll down to our calendar.

Volunteer With the IIJ!

If you want to be more involved with our upcoming webinars, we're actively recruiting moderators, producers and other volunteers.

Please email Katherine or Sa'iyda to learn more!

Fellowships and Other Opportunities

National Association of Science Writers and CASW SciWri23 Grants

If you are in need of funding to participate in ScienceWriters2023, apply for a NASW Community Support Grant.

Journalists from smaller print and broadcast news outlets receive up to $1,200. Both freelance and online journalists with a demonstrated interest in science writing will attend SciWri23 in Colorado in October. Attendees may also be asked to complete a reporting assignment.

For more information, visit their site.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 10, 2023.

The Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism

If you’re a woman or nonbinary journalist, the International Women’s Media Foundation has a new grant in memory of Kari Howard, supporting narrative journalism.

Grants will be for a maximum of $5,000.

For more information, visit their site.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 20, 2023 at 11:59 ET.

Investigative Reporters & Editors Freelance Fellowship

If you have a project proposal for a book, television series, documentary or any other long-form project, you’re eligible for the IRE’s fellowship. Proposals that involve whistleblowers, business ethics, and/or privacy issues will be given priority.

1st place gets $2,500. 2nd place gets $1,500, 3rd place gets $1,000. All three winners will get a one-year-long IRE membership.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The deadline to apply is August 28, 2023.

The Fund for Investigative Journalism

If you’re in need of financial support for an investigative piece, The Fund for Investigative Journalism offers grants for stories that expose wrongdoing in the public and private sectors and reveal information that was previously unknown or hidden to the public.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The next quarterly deadline is Sept. 5, 2023.

Interesting Reads

• Read Poynter’s “7 tips for better coverage of climate change.” In it, climate experts and journalists give a few lessons for reporters and editors amid the ongoing climate crisis.

• Read Amanda Bright’s “What one journalism school learned after taking over a rural weekly newspaper” for Nieman Lab. In it, she unpacks how the school doubled subscriptions, won awards, tripled ads, and more.

• Read Katherine Reynolds Lewis’ “Is Freelancing Right for You?” for NiemanReports. In it, she breaks down the business of freelancing, including how to track your money and time, promote your work, and build community.

• We're always eager to connect with freelance journalists of color who'd like to be involved in the work of the IIJ or contribute to future programs. Email [email protected] to volunteer — or if you have an idea for a partner, funder or topic we should explore.

Calendar

• Aug. 23-26 in Philadelphia at the Online News Association, IIJ founder Katherine Reynolds Lewis will attend as part of the ONA Women's Leadership Accelerator and speak about freelance best practices on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 11:30 a.m. in a session with Matt Saincome, the CEO of Outvoice and Study Hall.

• Sep. 7-10 in Philadelphia at NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists convention and IIJ leaders Katherine Reynolds Lewis and Jamila Bey will present a session on the business of freelancing.

• Sept. 14 on Zoom, IIJ volunteer meeting at 5 p.m. ET