Freelance Pitch Form

What We're Looking For

We’re open to investigations that are revelatory or substantially advance what is known on a subject of importance. The investigation should have the potential to trigger needed reforms by identifying a problem, who’s responsible and what should change. It should also clearly show harm. The investigation can be rooted in a place or focus on a person, but it should illuminate an issue of broader relevance.

What You Should Include

• A clear hypothesis, typically based on significant reporting: They don’t wonder whether something bad is happening, they know it.
• A general description of the topic, along with a sense of the anecdotes/data/documents you have gathered, what you expect to find and possible accountability stories you want to tell.
• A detailed breakdown of what an investigation will require: data work, travel, obtaining public records.
• An overview of the data, documents and/or source relationships the reporter already has.
• A brief explanation of why you are particularly suited to do this investigation.

Application Process

We will begin reviewing applications as we receive them, and aim to notify candidates regarding your proposals within two weeks of submission. Questions? Send an email to talent@propublica.org. No phone calls, please.

Compensation & Benefits

We pay competitive freelance rates, including reporting expenses. Freelancers are independent contractors and will not be treated by ProPublica as employees for any purpose.

About ProPublica

ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. While the vast majority of ProPublica’s work comes from our staff, we occasionally consider supporting ambitious accountability stories or projects from independent journalists whose ideas align with the mission of our organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.