Colorado journalists and media makers who need access to public records in order to investigate and report on social, economic, racial and other inequities can now find support from a new “watchdog fund” established by the Colorado Media Project.
Seeded by The Colorado Trust, the fund will reimburse qualified applicants for money they spend on accessing public records in order to report on topics of public importance — up to $1,000 per request.
A statewide survey of journalists conducted for The Colorado Trust by the University of Denver in 2020 identified the need for targeted funding to support the acquisition of public records.
Who is eligible?
Journalists, documentarians and other media makers whose stories are likely to expose or shed light on policies or practices that are contributing to inequities may apply for the fund for up to $1,000 per request.
Learn more about the funding priorities and the application process here.
Please note:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; there are no deadlines for the fund.
Applications will be accepted to support future public records requests, active/submitted requests, and for reimbursements on public records already obtained.
CMP strives to notify applicants promptly; turnaround time can be as little as two weeks after submitting an application, for urgent needs.