Local Reporting Network Fellow
Boost your chances before you apply.
ProPublica
US
Summary
Fellows will produce investigative journalism projects in partnership with ProPublica. They will receive support and guidance from ProPublica while working from their home newsrooms.
Job Description
ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.
The Local Reporting Network aims to be responsive to the needs of local journalists. There are multiple ways of working with us.
- The majority of our partnerships are yearlong accountability journalism projects of importance to local communities. We are taking on two more projects in 2026 and are recruiting for those right now. We will also be accepting 15 new projects in 2027. We will reimburse a news organization for the salary of the selected reporter (up to $80,000 for 2026 and $82,500 for 2027, plus a benefits stipend). These will be selected on a rolling basis, with specific deadlines for each round.
- Here are the details:
- Winter 2026 opportunity
Application deadline: Rolling, letters of interest to [email protected] by Oct. 15, 2026.
Open to: Newsrooms in the states listed as eligible through our 50 State Initiative. Fellowship dates: Flexible, to start on or before Jan. 1, 2027. - Spring 2027 cohort
Application deadline: Rolling, no later than Jan. 25, 2027, by 11:59 p.m. ET. Apply here.
Open to: All applicants from English-language local and regional newsrooms in the United States and its territories.
Fellowship dates: April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028. - Summer 2027 cohort
Application deadline: Rolling, no later than April 26, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Apply here.
Open to: Newsrooms in the states listed as eligible through our 50 State Initiative.
Fellowships dates: July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028. - Fall cohort
Application deadline: Rolling, no later than July 26, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Apply here.
Open to: Newsrooms in the remaining states listed as eligible through our 50 State Initiative.
Fellowship dates: Oct. 1, 2027, through Sept. 30, 2028.
Sarah Blustain
Assistant Managing Editor/Local
ProPublica
631-903-0650 (cell)
We know there are great candidates who may not fit into what we’ve described above or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
We are dedicated to improving our newsroom, in part by better reflecting the people we cover. (Here is a breakdown of our staff.) We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. And we are taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or any other status protected under applicable law.
ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force. We dig deep into important issues, shining a light on abuses of power and betrayals of public trust — and we stick with those issues as long as it takes to hold power to account.
With a team of more than 75 dedicated journalists, ProPublica covers a range of topics including government and politics, business, criminal justice, the environment, education, health care, immigration, and technology. We focus on stories with the potential to spur real-world impact. Among other positive changes, our reporting has contributed to the passage of new laws; reversals of harmful policies and practices; and accountability for leaders at local, state and national levels.
Investigative journalism requires a great deal of time and resources, and many newsrooms can no longer afford to take on this kind of deep-dive reporting. As a nonprofit, ProPublica’s work is powered primarily through donations. The vast bulk of the money we spend goes directly into world-class, award-winning journalism. We are committed to uncovering the truth, no matter how long it takes or how much it costs, and we practice transparent financial reporting so donors know how their dollars are spent.
ProPublica was founded in 2007-2008 with the belief that investigative journalism is critical to our democracy. Our staff remains dedicated to carrying forward the important work of exposing corruption, informing the public about complex issues, and using the power of investigative journalism to spur reform.
Founded
2008
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Media Production
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
New York, New York
ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force. We dig deep into important issues, shining a light on abuses of power and betrayals of public trust — and we stick with those issues as long as it takes to hold power to account.
With a team of more than 75 dedicated journalists, ProPublica covers a range of topics including government and politics, business, criminal justice, the environment, education, health care, immigration, and technology. We focus on stories with the potential to spur real-world impact. Among other positive changes, our reporting has contributed to the passage of new laws; reversals of harmful policies and practices; and accountability for leaders at local, state and national levels.
Investigative journalism requires a great deal of time and resources, and many newsrooms can no longer afford to take on this kind of deep-dive reporting. As a nonprofit, ProPublica’s work is powered primarily through donations. The vast bulk of the money we spend goes directly into world-class, award-winning journalism. We are committed to uncovering the truth, no matter how long it takes or how much it costs, and we practice transparent financial reporting so donors know how their dollars are spent.
ProPublica was founded in 2007-2008 with the belief that investigative journalism is critical to our democracy. Our staff remains dedicated to carrying forward the important work of exposing corruption, informing the public about complex issues, and using the power of investigative journalism to spur reform.
Founded
2008
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Media Production
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
New York, New York