Local Reporting Network Fellow

Application Information

Applications for all 15 projects are open now and will be considered on a rolling basis using the deadlines below. There will be three fellowship periods and we will select five fellows for each round:

• Spring cohort - This round is now closed.
  • Application deadline: Rolling, no later than Feb. 5, 2026, by midnight ET.
  • Open to: All applicants from English-language local and regional newsrooms in the United States and its territories.
  • Fellowship dates: April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.
• Summer cohort. This round is now closed
  • Application deadline: Rolling, no later than May 1, 2026.
  • Open to: Newsrooms in the states listed as eligible through our 50 State Initiative.
  • Fellowships dates: July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
• Fall cohort
  • Application deadline: Rolling, no later than July 27, 2026 at midnight ET.
  • Open to: Newsrooms in the remaining states listed as eligible through our 50 State Initiative. (Note: This list of states will be updated in July 2025.)
  • Fellowship dates: Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.

Grant Details

ProPublica will provide a grant, to be paid in monthly installments, to the selected newsroom reflecting the annual salary (up to $80,000 plus a 25% allowance for benefits) for one full-time reporter in each newsroom.

Eligibility Criteria

Successful candidates will have a proven track record of investigative reporting and impact, and will provide a memo about the project they’re proposing working on for the duration of the one-year partnership.

Strong applications will express why the project needs to be told in your community — we're eager for projects that can't be done anywhere else. They will also explain how the project would benefit from this collaboration, potentially including the role that our data, research and engagement reporting resources could play, and they will discuss how the project may resonate with both local and national audiences.

Contact Information

We are unable to accept applications via email. No phone calls, please.

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.