Fault Lines Reporting Fund

Hate-based storylines have emerged from dark channels, fringe media, and special interest groups across the U.S. to mainstream narratives promoting religious intolerance and gendered discrimination. This racist, antisemitic, Islamophobic, and misogynistic rhetoric is filled with dis- and misinformation, fueling violence toward marginalized communities.

The IWMF’s Fault Lines Reporting Fund supports journalists reporting on the forces driving racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, misogyny, and other forms of intolerance promoting hate in the United States. Successful applications will examine how false, divisive, and harmful narratives – such as stories that promote or normalize hate, discrimination, and the dehumanization of individuals and communities – take hold, including what is fueling them, where they are most pronounced, the scope of their impact, and where individuals and communities are making real progress in combatting these hate-based agendas.

The three-year program will provide grants to staff and freelance journalists planning well-researched, investigative, and evidence-based reporting within the United States. Further details can be found in the Program FAQs.

Application Process and Selection:

• Grant awards will range from $2,500 to $10,000. Larger awards will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Grant funds may be used to cover travel, logistics, security, insurance, and other reporting-related expenses.
• Applications must be submitted in English; reporting can be conducted in any language.
• Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee through a multi-stage process that evaluates journalistic merit, reach, originality, potential impact, and demonstrated need for funding. The committee will prioritize both equity and excellence in journalism.
• Grants will be distributed on a rolling basis to meet time-sensitive needs. Submissions will be answered within 6–8 weeks of receipt. 
• Reporting must be published in U.S. outlets within one year of receiving a grant and must credit the IWMF.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must report in the United States.
• The applicant’s primary profession must be journalism. Applications will be accepted from freelance, staff, or content-based journalists.
• Applicants must have 3+ years of professional journalism experience outside of internships.
• Applicants must present a strong track record of exceptional journalism or show proof of interest from an editor.

If you are experiencing any accessibility issues with the application process, please contact programs@iwmf.org.