The Forum for African Investigative Reporters (FAIR) is offering investigative journalists the opportunity to apply for a grant that intends to help further their research on a particular investigative story of their choice. Two grants of up to Euro 4,000 each, are funded by the Netherlands Institute on Southern Africa (Niza), and are intended to be used by a journalist for an investigative story that would not otherwise be published.

Applications will be judged on the following nine criteria:

1. The proposed subject must be an investigation of a societal ill relevant to Africa. Though it can be an investigation into an issue in one locality, subjects that are only relevant to one locality, or only to a very specialised audience, are excluded. It has to be an issue that is clearly in the public interest in one or more countries.
2. The proposed investigation must envisage the use of investigative methodologies, such as source building and data (physical or web-based) searching.
3. The proposed investigation must be the applicants own initiative and the reason why the applicant chose the subject must be clearly outlined.
4. The proposed investigation must be viable and realistic.
5. The envisaged end result must be newsworthy.
6. The applicant must show investigative credibility, by experience and/or by reference.
7. The applicant must show that without financial support the investigation would not take place.
8. The applicant must show that an editor or publishing house will be interested in publishing the envisaged end product.
9. The applicant must show that the proposed investigation is time consuming to the extent that he/she could not do this without support.

Click here for more information.

Applications are open to all investigative journalists based, working, and operating in Africa. Each application must contain the following:

• personal data (including two email addresses, one fax number, one postal address, and at least one telephone number) and banking data (1/2 page);
• form of envisaged output (article, series, book, radio/television programme) (1/2 page);
• outline of subject and investigative process as envisaged (2 pages);
• explanation of need of grant (1/2 page);
• timeline including expected publication (1/2 page);
• budget (including other sources of funds for the project; clear division between expenses and fees);
• letter of intent from editor/publishing house stating their interest in publishing/broadcasting the resulting story or programme; and
• experience and references (1/2 page)

The applications must be sent by email or fax - preferably along with a hard copy, to the contact details below.