McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism 2025–2026 | Fully Funded

The McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism 2025–2026 in the USA offers a golden opportunity for experienced journalists to pursue deeply reported projects that make an impact. This fully funded fellowship provides financial support and editorial guidance to journalists looking to tell meaningful business and economic stories.

 

About the McGraw Fellowship

The McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism is a non-residential grant program offered by Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Business Journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, City University of New York (CUNY).

It supports experienced journalists who want to produce deeply researched, high-impact stories on business, economics, or finance that traditional newsroom budgets often can’t support. The fellowship provides up to $15,000 in funding, along with editorial guidance and help publishing your work.

 

Scholarship Summary

• Fellowship Name: McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism 2025–2026
• Host Institution: Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Business Journalism, CUNY (New York, USA)
• Country: United States
• Study Level: PhD
• Funding Amount: Up to $15,000 per fellow
• Fellowship Duration: 3–6 months (depends on project)
• Application Deadlines:
  • Fall 2025 Round – October 13, 2025
  • Spring 2026 Round – April 13, 2026

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the McGraw Fellowship, you generally need to meet the following:

• Professional Experience: At least 5 years of professional journalism experience, as a staff or freelance reporter, editor, or in a journalism-oriented role.
• Media Type: The fellowship accepts proposals in text, audio, and short-form video formats (multimedia approaches are encouraged).
• Project Focus: The proposed story should have a strong business, economic, or financial angle, or examine how larger economic changes affect people, communities, or institutions.
• Freelance or Employed Journalists: Both freelance reporters and those working at media organizations or journalism nonprofits are eligible.
• Not a Residency Fellowship: Fellows continue working from their own offices — there is no requirement to relocate.
• International Journalists: International applicants may also apply, so long as the work is done in English and targeted for U.S. readership or outlets.

 

Benefits of the McGraw Fellowship

Selected fellows receive significant financial and professional support, including:

• Grant Funding up to $15,000: Fellows receive funding to cover travel, research, and reporting costs for their project.
• Editorial Support: The McGraw Center provides experienced editors to help refine and strengthen your reporting, narrative structure, and final story.
• Publication Assistance: If you do not have a media outlet, the Center helps place your work with leading publications or features it on its own platform.
• Flexible, Remote Work: The fellowship is non-residential, meaning you can continue working from your own country or office.
• Professional Exposure: McGraw Fellows gain credibility and global visibility in the field of business journalism.

 

How to Apply

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the McGraw Fellowship:

• Decide Which Round / Deadline to Apply

The McGraw Fellowship is offered twice a year:

• • Fall round: October 13, 2025 is the upcoming deadline.
    
  • Spring round: April 13, 2026 (for Spring 2026 projects)
    
• Write a Story Proposal (max ~3 pages)

• • Provide an “elevator pitch” — 2 to 3 sentences summarizing your project.
  • Explain what’s new or significant about your story and why it matters
  • Outline a proposed reporting plan and timeline
    
  • Indicate if you already have a media outlet to publish it (if yes, mention it)
    

• Submit Samples & Resume
  
  • Provide 3 journalism samples (published works) demonstrating your ability to handle in-depth reporting.
    
  • Upload an updated CV / resume outlining your relevant experience.
    
• Submit Through Official Application Form
  All materials (proposal, samples, resume) are submitted via the McGraw Center’s online application form. The form will ask for the “Elevator Pitch” and your detailed proposal.
  
• Finalist Stage: References / Budget
  
  • At initial submission, you don’t need to include letters of reference. Finalists, if selected, will be asked for 2 references from editors or colleagues familiar with your work.
    
  • Finalists must also provide a budget estimation for the project.
    
• Await Decision & Work
  If selected, you’ll receive a notification and further instructions. You’ll then begin working on your project under editorial guidance from McGraw. The Center edits and helps place your story.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the fellowship?

The fellowship is open to U.S. and international journalists who meet the following criteria:

• Have at least five years of professional journalism experience in any medium (print, broadcast, digital, radio, or multimedia).
• Can demonstrate the ability to handle complex stories that require in-depth reporting and research.
• Are either freelance journalists or currently employed by a media organization.
• Submit a compelling proposal focused on a business, financial, or economic topic with national or global relevance.

You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen — the program accepts applications from around the world as long as the story is in English and targeted toward an English-speaking audience.

2. What types of projects are eligible for funding?

The McGraw Fellowship welcomes projects that examine how money, markets, and policy shape lives, communities, or systems.
Some examples of accepted themes include:

• Investigations into corporate behavior, corruption, or environmental impact
• Reporting on global trade, climate finance, or sustainability
• The rise of AI, digital economies, and automation in business
• Labor, employment, and wage disparities
• The economics of housing, healthcare, or education
• The financial dimensions of social issues or government policies

Projects may be written, audio, visual, or multimedia — such as a long-form article, podcast series, or short documentary.

3. Is the fellowship fully funded?

Yes. Each fellow receives up to $15,000 USD, depending on the scope and duration of the project.
This amount is meant to cover:

• Travel expenses for reporting
• Research materials and data access
• Living costs during the project period (especially for freelancers)
• Equipment or technical support if needed

The funding is flexible — fellows can use it in whatever way best supports their reporting.

4. How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship typically runs for three to six months, depending on your proposed timeline and project needs.
However, since it is non-residential, you can work from your own home, city, or country while receiving editorial mentorship remotely.

5. What kind of editorial support is provided?

Fellows are paired with experienced McGraw Center editors who help:

• Refine your story idea and reporting strategy
• Offer guidance throughout the research and writing process
• Edit and fact-check your drafts
• Connect you with potential publication outlets
• Ensure your story meets high journalistic and ethical standards

This one-on-one mentorship is one of the most valuable parts of the fellowship — especially for complex business stories.

6. Do I need to have a media outlet before applying?

No, having a media outlet is not required, although it helps.
If you already have a commitment from a publication or broadcaster to run your story, mention it in your proposal. If not, the McGraw Center’s team will assist you in finding a suitable platform to publish your final piece.

7. When is the deadline to apply?

There are two application rounds each year:

• Fall 2025 Round: Deadline — October 13, 2025
  
• Spring 2026 Round: Deadline — April 13, 2026
  

You can apply in whichever round best aligns with your story schedule.

8. How are fellows selected?

Applications are reviewed by an internal committee of editors and senior journalists at the McGraw Center.
Selection is based on:

• The importance and originality of your story idea
• The feasibility of your reporting plan and timeline
• Your journalistic experience and previous work quality
  
• The potential impact of your story on public understanding

Strong proposals are specific, deeply researched, and have a clear focus on business or economic angles.

9. Can international journalists apply?

Yes, international journalists are strongly encouraged to apply. The only requirement is that your story must be written or produced in English and relevant to a global or U.S. audience.
Previous fellows have come from diverse regions including Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

10. Do I need to relocate to the U.S. for the fellowship?

No relocation is required. The McGraw Fellowship is non-residential — you can conduct your reporting from your current location anywhere in the world.
All communication and editorial collaboration take place remotely.

11. Do I need GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL for this fellowship?

No standardized tests like GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL are required. This is not an academic scholarship; it’s a journalism fellowship, and selection is based on your professional experience and project proposal.

12. How many fellows are selected each year?

Typically, the McGraw Center selects 6 to 10 fellows annually — spread across the spring and fall rounds.
Each fellow works independently on their story while receiving mentorship and funding.

13. What makes a strong application?

A strong application should include:

• A clear, specific story idea (not a general topic)
• A solid plan showing how you’ll gather data and sources
• Evidence of feasibility — you can complete it within six months
• A strong journalism portfolio with credible work
• A clear public interest impact — showing why your story matters now

Tip: Avoid vague ideas like “the economy in Africa” — instead, focus on a defined issue such as “How microfinance in Kenya is reshaping small-scale farming.”

14. How will I receive the funding?

Funding is usually disbursed in installments:

• The first payment after selection
• Subsequent payments based on project milestones and progress reports

The McGraw Center monitors progress through regular updates and provides continued support throughout.

15. What happens after the fellowship?

Once your story is published, you remain part of the McGraw Fellows Network, gaining continued visibility, networking opportunities, and access to future collaborations with the Center and media partners.

16. Can I apply again if I’m not selected?

Yes. Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply in future rounds with a revised or new proposal.
Many successful fellows have been chosen on their second attempt after improving their story concept and scope.