Calling all freelancers in the greater Philadelphia area, and those coming to the ONA convention next week! We'd love to see you at a freelance meetup the Institute for Independent Journalists is hosting in partnership with Study Hall, on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 4-5 p.m. at Maggiano's across from the convention hotel. Please RSVP here so we can get a head count, and please spread the word to other independent journalists or folx connected with freelancing. IIJ Founder Katherine Reynolds Lewis and Study Hall CEO Matt Saincome are excited to connect in person! Light appetizers; cash bar.

A few days later, Katherine and Matt will team up again at the Online News Association annual convention in presenting a session called: “The Future is Freelance: How to Survive and Thrive, Whether You’re a Journalist or a Publisher,” at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 11:30 a.m.

You’ll learn freelance journalism mistakes to avoid, strategies to secure assignments that are best for you, and what to look for in contracts. The session will also cover how publishers and media companies can best use freelance labor, consistently receive high-quality work, and do right by their contributors. Check out the conference lineup, and hope to see you there!

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're in Philly or nearby, please come to our meetup at ONA on Aug. 24 or our final meetup at NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists convention on Sept. 7. Or both! RSVP here.

For more details, scroll down to our calendar.

The IIJ Webinars Are Back!

Are you interested in pursuing health and science freelancing? Join us for our Sept. 29 health and science journalism webinar. You’ll learn about evidence-based reporting and hear from editors about what they want in pitches.

We are also planning an Oct. 27 webinar on sustaining a career as a long-form journalist, 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.

For guidance on which insurance and risk management tools will best support your freelance career, come to our Jan. 19 webinar.

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

Fellowships and Other Opportunities

The Fund for Investigative Journalism

If you’re in need of financial support for an investigative piece, The Fund for Investigative Journalism offers grants up to $10,000 for stories that expose wrongdoing in the public and private sectors and reveal information that was previously unknown or hidden to the public. Applicants need a commitment to publish the story and some of their initial investigative findings.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The next quarterly deadline is Sept. 5, 2023.

The Fund for Investigative Journalism

The organization is also 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 19th Needs a Contract Data Analyst

If you’re interested in doing part-time, remote data analysis, consider applying to The 19th. You’ll be analyzing and reporting on their various projects and products, including social media, website, events, and newsletters.

Rate is $100/hour for up to 10 hours per month. The contract is for six months, from Oct. 2023 to March 2024.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The deadline is Sept. 15, 2023 at 5 p.m. CT.

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

• Read Janell Ross’ “Inside Barbados’ Historic Push for Slavery Reparations” for TIME. In it, she unpacks the island’s history and what this development means for its near future.

• Read Amaris Castillo’s “How journalists in Hawaii are covering (and coping with) the Maui wildfires” for Poynter. In it, she breaks down the challenges that Hawaii-based newsrooms have had to overcome amid the tragic brush fire.

• 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, host a freelance meetup on Aug. 24, 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. 7-8 in Philadelphia at NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists convention, IIJ founder Katherine Reynolds Lewis will host a freelance meetup and present a session on the business of freelancing, both on Sep. 7.

• Sept. 14 on Zoom, IIJ volunteer meeting at 5 p.m. ET. Email Sa'iyda Shabazz if you'd like to attend!