Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors (FIRE)

FIRE (Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors), formerly Project Word, is a project of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE). The FIRE program, which launched in 2016, provides two basic services to unaffiliated reporters:

1. The Editorial Consultancy provides up to an hour of help, on a one-time basis. This can consist of basic editorial feedback, funding tips, and referrals for independent reporters, including those new to freelancing or whose project may be in development or preliminary stages.  
2. The Virtual Newsroom provides in-depth services to freelancers that newsrooms traditionally make available to their staff. This can include research assistance, legal review, professional trainings, and access to experienced freelance editors. In some cases, Virtual Newsroom recipients also receive a stipend of $2,500 to $10,000.