The deadline to submit your application is April 13, 2026. The call for entries is now open for the 2026 edition of the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Business Journalism Fellowship.
This fellowship program, offered by the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Business Journalism, awards grants up to $15,000. It also provides editorial guidance to seasoned journalists aiming to create in-depth investigative or enterprise reports that emphasize economic, financial, or business-related themes. Importantly, applicants are not required to be dedicated business reporters; in fact, many previous recipients have been general assignment reporters or have covered specialized beats such as healthcare, education, or environmental issues. Some fellows have concentrated on topics like economic inequality or corporate responsibility.
With significant shifts occurring in federal spending and policy direction under the current administration in Washington, D.C., the fellowship is especially interested in story proposals that explore the consequences of these policy changes.
Who is Eligible?
The McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism welcomes applications from journalists with a minimum of five years’ professional experience in the field. The program supports freelance journalists as well as reporters and editors who are currently employed by news organizations or journalism nonprofits. Those working within news organizations or nonprofits can apply on behalf of their employers.
Application Process
To apply, candidates need to submit a focused story proposal of no more than three pages. This should be done through the online form. Think of your submission as a pitch similar to one you would present to an editor at a newspaper, magazine, or digital platform: it should include sufficient preliminary research and supporting documentation to demonstrate that your story idea is well-founded and ready for deep reporting.
For further details and to explore more about the fellowship, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Business Journalism Fellowship.
