Topics: Investigative Journalism, Politics, Human Rights, Climate Change, Corporate Accountability, Public Interest Reporting
Rate (USD): $3,000–$6,000 per investigation (plus publication fee from partner outlet)
Deadline: Rolling submissions
If you have an original investigative story capable of exposing corruption, abuse of power, corporate wrongdoing, or systemic injustice, Type Investigations is accepting pitches from freelance journalists worldwide.
Type Investigations is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with leading print, digital, and broadcast publications to produce high-impact investigative journalism. Beyond publishing stories, the organization provides reporters with editorial mentorship, fact-checking, legal review, research support, and funding for reporting expenses.
This opportunity is ideal for experienced investigative journalists pursuing ambitious, evidence-driven stories that require time, resources, and editorial backing.
What They’re Looking For
Type Investigations is especially interested in investigations covering:
- Civil and human rights, including women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and protest movements.
- Political influence, lobbying, corruption, and corporate misconduct.
- Worker exploitation and consumer protection failures.
- Climate change, environmental justice, pollution, and environmental policy.
- Powerful institutions, regulatory failures, and systemic inequality.
They also welcome investigative ideas outside these topics, provided they align with their mission of holding powerful institutions accountable.
What Makes a Strong Pitch?
Successful proposals typically demonstrate:
- A truly original investigation.
- Strong evidence, documentation, data, or credible sources.
- Clear public interest and potential for meaningful impact.
- A feasible reporting plan.
- Accountability journalism that identifies who is responsible for wrongdoing.
Stories should move beyond feature reporting by uncovering new information and documenting systemic issues.
What They Don’t Accept
Type Investigations does not commission:
- Traditional profiles
- Cultural essays
- True crime stories
- Adventure narratives
International journalists are encouraged to apply, but every story must have a clear and meaningful connection to the United States.
How to Pitch
Your first email should be a concise query consisting of only a few paragraphs.
Include:
- A summary of your investigation.
- Why the story matters now.
- Your unique reporting angle.
- Any documents, sources, or exclusive access you already have.
If editors believe the idea is a good fit, they’ll invite you to submit a detailed proposal outlining your reporting strategy, timeline, budget, and expected impact.
Editors review proposals monthly, although urgent and time-sensitive investigations may receive expedited consideration.
Pay and Story Length
Type Investigations funds both reporting costs and journalist fees.
Typical assignment details include:
- Word Count: 3,000–5,000 words (longer and shorter stories are also considered)
- Budget: $3,000–$6,000 per investigation
- Partial payment provided upfront after commissioning.
- Partner publications also pay their standard publication fee once the investigation is published, allowing reporters to receive additional compensation.
This makes Type Investigations one of the better-funded nonprofit opportunities available for freelance investigative journalists.