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Writer's pictureSherbaz Muhammad

Economic Hardship Reporting Project (US)


Are you a passionate independent journalist with a keen interest in shedding light on issues related to poverty, economic class, workers' rights, and income disparity in the United States? The Economic Hardship Reporting Project (EHRP) is excited to announce that they are now accepting applications for grants that enable journalists like you to dive deep into these crucial subjects and co-publish your work with major media outlets.


About the Economic Hardship Reporting Project (EHRP)


The Economic Hardship Reporting Project (EHRP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to producing impactful journalism centered around economic inequality in America. EHRP not only provides funding but also collaborates with established media outlets, ranging from distinguished publications like The New York Times and The Guardian to platforms like Vice, to ensure your stories reach a wide audience.


Storytelling Opportunities


EHRP is actively seeking a variety of storytelling formats to address the nuances of economic inequality in the United States. These include:


- Narrative Features: Engaging, immersive narratives that captivate and inform.

- Reported Personal Essays: Personal stories intertwined with substantial reporting.

- Reported Op-eds: Opinion pieces backed by investigative work.

- Investigative Reports: In-depth research and analysis that uncover hidden truths.

- Podcasts: Audio storytelling that connects with listeners.

- Nonfiction Cartoons: Visual storytelling to simplify complex issues.

- Photo Essays and Documentaries: Visual stories that speak volumes.


Story Topics


Currently, EHRP is actively seeking pieces that focus on economic inequality in relation to:


- Housing and Eviction: Explore the challenges of housing and the impact of evictions.

- Gig and Frontline Work: Share firsthand accounts of gig and frontline workers.

- Religion and Income Inequality: Examine intersections between religion and economic disparity.

- Union Activism and Labor Organizing: Dive into the world of union activism and workers' rights.

- Tech Work and Impact: Investigate the impact of tech industry on employment.

- Layoffs and Unemployment: Narrate the stories of those who have faced layoffs.

- Reproductive Rights: Address economic inequality through the lens of reproductive rights.

- Caregiving and Parenting: Illuminate the challenges of caregiving and parenting.

- Queer/Trans Experiences: Share narratives of working-class and economically unstable queer/trans individuals.


Funding Information


EHRP offers grants ranging from $500 for op-eds to $10,000 for documentary films. The compensation for written work can go up to $1.25 per word, dependent on the depth of reporting required. The word count for written pieces typically ranges from 800 to 1500 words, and occasionally, longer pieces in national publications may receive grants up to $2,500. Photo essays are compensated with a $600 day rate, usually paid upon publication, and occasional advances are offered to financially struggling reporters.


Eligibility Criteria


To be eligible for a grant, applicants are expected to have prior reporting experience. EHRP editors anticipate multiple drafts of pieces if needed. Contributors should be able to share links or clips of previously reported work of similar nature. Collaborative teams are welcome, and the organization strongly encourages individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Note that grants are intended for independent journalists, and publications are not eligible to apply.


Apply and Make Your Voice Heard


Join the Economic Hardship Reporting Project's mission to amplify stories of economic inequality and its impact on the lives of individuals across the United States. This is your opportunity to contribute to important conversations, drive change, and engage with diverse audiences through powerful journalism.


For detailed information and to submit your application, please visit https://economichardship.




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