The Reporters’ Collective Investigative Journalism GAP Fellowship 2026
The Reporters’ Collective consistently strives to support and promote the community of like-minded investigative journalists.
Thus, we are delighted to announce a new set of fellowships focused on filling the gaps in investigative journalism across India and strengthening it.
These opportunities are aimed at supporting journalists who don’t fear asking tough questions and are committed to pursuing rigorous evidence-based public-interest reporting. The fellowship will provide journalists, including reporters and editors, an opportunity to focus entirely on complex public-interest investigations that require persistence and institutional support.
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Why is this being offered?
At TRC, we believe that investigative journalism in India is only possible due to a village and community of like-minded journalists. In that spirit of supporting this community, the following fellowship opportunities are aimed at supporting journalists/editors pursuing investigative journalism across the Indian media landscape.
We were also encouraged by our donors to launch these fellowships, who asked us to enable more investigative journalists across India to produce consistent and high-quality work.
Please donate to TRC to support our fellowships.
The Opportunities
TRC is offering the following opportunities:
Long-Term Investigative Journalism GAP Fellowships
We are offering two long-term fellowships for text-first reporters/editors in India to support ambitious investigative journalism anchored at other independent newsrooms (not The Reporters’ Collective).
The Selected fellows will receive Rs 100,000 per month (inclusive of all taxes) for 12 months as sustained financial support to produce a body of investigative work through one year. Journalists from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
What do you need?
- You are either a brilliant reporter who carries out investigative reportage or an editor who is superb at editorial supervision of evidence-based reportage.
- You have at least 4 years of experience in either investigative reportage or editing.
- You have a letter of support from a newsroom registered in India that has a track record of carrying out investigative work and is willing to host you during the fellowship under its editorial supervision. (Check out the draft Letter of Support here that you need to have in your bag.)
Application opens: June 19, 2026
Application closes: July 15, 2026
Investigative Video Journalism GAP Fellowships:
The Reporters' Collective recognises the impact of the visual medium in investigative journalism. To encourage visual storytelling and reach a wider audience, we are announcing three investigative video fellowships, each worth Rs 250,000 (inclusive of all costs). These fellowships will support journalists in producing rigorous evidence-based investigative video projects that bring critical issues to light.
What do you need?
- You are an investigative video journalist who carries out investigative reportage. A group of 2-3 journalists can also apply as a team.
- You have at least 4 years of experience in investigative reportage.
- You have a letter of support from a newsroom (registered in India) that has a track record of carrying out investigative work and is willing to host you during the fellowship under its editorial supervision.(Check out the draft Letter of Support here that you need to have in your bag.)
Application opens: June 19, 2026
Application closes: July 15, 2026
Investigative Journalism Reporting GAP Grants
Investigative Journalism often requires journalists to go where the story is. It requires boots on the ground. To aid that and ensure no story that deserves a space is left untold, we are offering 30 fellowships of Rs 15,000 each (on a rolling basis) for reporters pursuing investigative stories across India.
What do you need?
- Please submit a clearly etched-out story idea in 200 words.
- You have a letter of support from a newsroom (registered in India) that has a track record of carrying out investigative work and is willing to host you during the fellowship under its editorial supervision.(Check out the draft Letter of Support here that you need to have in your bag.)
Application opens: June 19, 2026
Application closes: On a Rolling basis
Apply here.
Early-Career Investigative Journalist Gap Fellowship:
We are offering three long-term fellowships for text-first reporters in India to support early-career investigative journalists at other independent newsrooms.
The Selected fellows will receive up to Rs 45,000 per month (inclusive of all taxes) for 12 months as sustained financial support to produce a body of investigative work. Journalists from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
What do you need?
- You have at least one year of experience in journalism.
- You have a letter of support from a newsroom registered in India that has a track record of investigative journalism and is willing to host you during the fellowship under its editorial supervision. (Check out the draft Letter of Support here that you need to have in your bag.)
Application Opens: June 30, 2026
Application Closes: July 15, 2026
A word from our past fellows
In a time when the reporting environment is increasingly abysmal — with many outlets choosing to play it safe and align with those in power — this fellowship stands out as a rare space that encourages honest, independent journalism.
This fellowship went way beyond just the financial support that was crucial for pursuing the story on the ground in a meaningful way. It gave me the rare chance to explore an issue I deeply care about, with the perfect balance of freedom and support.
It was a truly rewarding experience that supported both my personal growth and professional development.
- Meenakshi Kapoor TRC FELLOW
In an era where journalism often dwindles to fleeting social media snippets, chasing a gritty story demands raw courage.
In my first meeting with The Reporters’ Collective (TRC), I found myself surrounded with a cadre of seasoned journalistic minds, their eyes glinting with the fire of countless scoops.
They guided me with unwavering support to plunge headfirst into the murky depths of the inter-state liquor trade.
While editing copy has been reduced to mere grammar tweaks in many newsrooms, TRC’s battle-hardened team wove my raw findings into a masterfully narrated investigative saga.
- Kashif Kakvi TRC Special Grantee
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As a long-time follower of The Collective’s work, being awarded the inaugural TRC Investigative Reporting Fellowship was a remarkable opportunity.
This prestigious fellowship enabled me to delve deeply into a subject of immense significance to millions of Indian youth. It gave me the resources and support to explore this critical issue thoroughly.
- Suchak Patel TRC FELLOW
At a time when Indian journalism has been reduced to sheer sycophancy of the political masters, working with The Collective, I felt that it is possible to produce critical and in-depth stories based on empirical facts.
I realised that journalism is not just about setting certain narratives which please one or another but it is more about dealing with piles of data and digging out something relevant and impactful.
- Alok Rajput TRC Special Grantee
