Need to fund your project? Here's where to find grants and fellowships

I love having the freedom to choose which stories to pick and report. I’m not confined to one beat, one editor or one publication. And that works wonder for creativity.

But of course with that freedom comes other responsibilities. Aside from a steady paycheck, one of the perks of working full-time for an organization is having the resources to execute an in-depth reporting project without worrying of the dent it’ll make in your bank account.

But don’t fret! There are resources out there for freelancers who want to take on ambitious reporting projects but need a little help. Here’s where you can find fellowships and grants to support your next big project.

International Journalists’ Network: IJNet offers jobs, fellowships and reporting grants from organizations around the world. If you’re interested in reporting abroad here’s a good place to start. You can narrow the listings down based on the kinds of opportunities you’re seeking, ranging from social media to mobile and data journalism. The site has some upcoming grants for women and environmental journalists.

Global Investigative Journalism Network: You can find some beginning and mid-career journalism opportunities in the U.S. and abroad on this listing. They also have other resources including legal defense information, investigative reporting guides, emergency assistance and more.

Mediashift: You’ll find a mix of internships, fellowships and grants for journalists at different career levels, but not specifically for freelancers. This is good for if you’re just graduating or you’ve got some freelance clips under your belt and would like some extra training or funding and support for a cool project.

Your alma mater: I still keep in touch with my college professors and my former internship coordinator to keep abreast of any jobs, freelance gigs or other opportunities. Occasionally, I’ll receive an email about a fellowship or grant opportunity. Let your former professors and career prep professionals at your college know that you’re looking for opportunities.

Where do you learn about fellowship and grant opportunities? Leave a comment or send a note to contact@thefreelancebeat.com.