Publication: Economic Hardship Reporting Project (EHRP)
Topics: Economic inequality, election-related economic hardship, transgender rights, labor rights, working-class communities, investigative journalism, personal essays and narrative features.
Rate (USD):
- News stories: $750–$1,500 in partial funding.
- Narrative features and personal essays: $0.40–$1.25 per word, typically capped at $1,500.
- Investigative reports: $0.70–$1.25 per word, typically capped at $1,700.
Deadline: Ongoing (no specific deadline announced).
Freelance Journalists Wanted at Economic Hardship Reporting Project
The Economic Hardship Reporting Project (EHRP) is offering grants to freelance journalists covering economic inequality and the financial challenges affecting vulnerable communities.
The project provides partial funding for independent journalists working on important stories about poverty, economic insecurity, workers’ rights and inequality in America.
Freelance writers, reporters and investigative journalists are encouraged to submit pitches for consideration.
Topics the Publication Is Currently Seeking
EHRP is particularly interested in the following subjects:
1. Economic Precarity During Election Season
Stories examining how elections, political campaigns and policy decisions affect people’s financial security. Consider reporting on rising living costs, unemployment, housing insecurity, healthcare expenses and the economic challenges facing ordinary Americans.
2. Transgender Rights and Economic Inequality in America
The publication welcomes stories exploring the economic inequalities affecting transgender people in the United States. Potential angles include employment discrimination, healthcare access, housing insecurity, workplace rights and financial exclusion.
3. Working-Class Labor Stories in Chicago and Southern California
Journalists based in or reporting on Chicago and Southern California can pitch stories about working-class communities, labor conditions, workers’ rights, wages and economic challenges affecting local populations.
Other compelling stories about economic inequality may also be considered.
How Much Does Economic Hardship Reporting Project Pay?
EHRP provides partial funding through grants and per-word payments, depending on the type of story.
| Story type | Payment |
|---|---|
| News stories | $750–$1,500 |
| Narrative features and personal essays | $0.40–$1.25/word |
| Investigative reports | $0.70–$1.25/word |
Narrative features and personal essays are typically capped at $1,500, while investigative reports are typically capped at $1,700.
These are partial-funding opportunities, so journalists should review the project’s full funding and submission terms before pitching.
How to Pitch Economic Hardship Reporting Project
Freelance journalists interested in receiving funding should submit their story ideas through the official EHRP pitch portal.
Before submitting, consider these tips:
- Pitch a specific story rather than a broad topic.
- Explain why the story matters and who will be affected.
- Identify the people, communities or issues you intend to investigate.
- Include your reporting approach and why you are qualified to tell the story.
- Focus on original reporting, strong human perspectives and meaningful economic issues.
Important: Review the official submission guidelines for complete information about funding, rates, eligibility and pitching requirements.