Don't Miss the IIJ's Last Freelance Meetup—RSVP Today!

We'll be at NLGJA in Philly for a conference session and happy hour - hope to see you there.

Happy post-Labor Day weekend! I hope everyone had a restful day off and was able to reset a little bit. This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about why I became a freelance journalist in the first place.

Freelance journalism is a very specific type of emotional and physical labor, as oftentimes, you have to do it all—from turning an observation into a pitch (and then a story) to building a freelance community. As a result, it’s always been important for me to connect with my fellow freelancers, talk about our careers and goals, and carve out space for ourselves, especially those of us from underrepresented backgrounds.

This brings me to the fact that this upcoming convention in Philly will be the IIJ’s last one of the season (from June to Sept.). It’s been great to connect with everyone and discussing the joys, challenges, and future of freelance journalism. What starts out as a convention session about securing assignments and contracts leads into conversations over drinks about the state of the industry, the difference between surviving and thriving, and creating a sustainable lifestyle.

So if you’re in Philly or nearby, I hope that you’re able to join us for our final meetup at NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists convention on Sept. 7. RSVP here.

If you're registered for the conference, join IIJ founder Katherine Reynolds Lewis earlier in the day for a session on how to structure a freelance portfolio, effectively network, recruit anchor clients, and identify your journalistic brand and niche. Other panelists include Daric Cottingham of Reckon News, Erin McGregor from the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR), and freelancer Lonnie Hood. See the schedule here:https://nlgja23.sched.com/ 

We hope to see you there! And thank you to everyone who was able to meetup with us in Philly, Miami, D.C., or even on Zoom.

Fellowships and Other Opportunities

Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism’s Entrepreneurial Journalism Creators Program

If you’re an independent journalist interested in developing niche news products, consider applying to CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism’s Entrepreneurial Journalism Creators Program. The program is fully online and will go from Oct. 17, 2023 to Jan. 25, 2024.

Tuition is $4,000. Scholarships are available.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The deadline is Sept. 8, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The Fund for Investigative Journalism

The Fund for Investigative Journalism is accepting proposals for seed grants of $1,000 to $2,500 for early reporting and research for specific investigative projects and stories. For example, this includes open-record requests and initial reporting trips to find and interview sources.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The deadline is Sept. 14, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant

If you’re a freelance reporter or represent a national, local, or nonprofit media outlet/organization that educates journalists about health journalism projects, the NIHCM Health Care Journalism Grant program is accepting applications. Grants provide funding for health reporting, education for journalists, and documentary film public engagement campaigns.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 10, 2023 at 5 p.m. ET.

Alberta Native News

Alberta Native News is looking for reporters who can explore and write about the issues Indigenous peoples in Alberta—which is home to First Nation communities in Treaty 6, 7, and 8 traditional territories, Metis settlements, and both urban and rural settlements—face.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

Scalawag Pitch Callout

For Scalawag, Aarohi Sheth is taking pitches for the upcoming Hurricane Season section, which covers all things climate change, environmental justice, and hurricanes in the American South. She’s open to reported stories, photography, poetry, art, audio essays, and more! Rates are $500-$1000.

Email her your questions and ideas at [email protected].

Interesting Reads

This week, we’ve been reading about the effects that Taylor Swift’s music had on a formerly incarcerated writer’s life inside; queer grief and reclamation of joy; and of course, the ins and outs of freelance journalism.

  • Read “Listening to Taylor Swift in Prison” in the New Yorker. The Prison Journalism Project worked with writer Joe Garcia, who was formerly incarcerated, to publish this piece on how the singer-songwriter’s music helped him stay connected with the outside world.

  • Read Reckon’s “5 trans and nonbinary people get real about the tangled web of transitioning, euphoria and grief.” In honor of National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, LGBTQ communities reporter Denny asked several trans and nonbinary people about their experiences of grief, transition, and joy.

  • 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

We love growing the IIJ family and connecting with fellow freelance journalists, so come meet us at the next conference! Here’s where the IIJ team will be this month: