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Vince Geddes In-Depth Journalism Fund 2026 opens
The Vince Geddes In-Depth Journalism Fund, supported by the Auckland Radio Trust, is back.
The fund provides much-needed financial support to freelance journalists producing in-depth, high-quality journalism in an increasingly constrained media landscape.
It also offers editorial and structural support from The Spinoff, where the completed features will be published.
Work funded in 2025 includes:
- Anna Rankin: An in-depth exploration of the ripple effects of paper mill closures.
- Janhavi Gosavi: A rigorous investigation into the MLM, Legacy Collective.
- Kristin Hall: A critical look at the resurgence of homelessness in Rotorua.
- Eric Frykberg: A complex piece on future-proofing state finances and the welfare state.
- James Borrowdale: A moving long-read on the hospice experience and how we die.
Structure of the fund
In 2026, the Vince Geddes In-Depth Journalism Fund will allocate $30,000 to support freelance journalists.
This year, the fund has shifted from fixed biannual deadlines to a rolling application model. This allows journalists to apply as soon as a time-sensitive or major in-depth story emerges.
Instead of flat $5,000 grants, the fund offers flexible funding levels based on a project’s scope, related costs and word count. Funding is paid at $1 per published word, with word counts agreed at the outset (maximum 5,000 words).
These grants will be paid in two instalments – 60% upon confirmed selection and 40% on final delivery – and will cover writing fees and associated costs such as travel, research and data collection, helping awardees focus on producing quality work with fewer financial barriers.
Application process
Freelance journalists will be invited to apply for the grant by completing a Google form and attaching a one-page pitch outlining their proposed project.
The pitch should clearly articulate:
- The story’s focus, including a draft headline
- Why it matters
- Its relevance to contemporary Aotearoa
- The intended approach (key interviews, sources and research) and likely wordcount
- Applicants should also provide a breakdown of any costs associated with their proposal, ensuring the funds are allocated effectively and transparently
The Spinoff editor will assess submissions. Pitches will be evaluated based on criteria including originality, importance of the topic, relevance to contemporary Aotearoa, potential impact, the applicant’s track record and the feasibility of the proposed budget.
The Spinoff aims to notify applicants of decisions within 15 working days of submission. However, individual feedback on submissions will not be provided.
Editorial support and publication
The Spinoff will play a key role in supporting the awardees throughout the production of their stories.
Selected journalists will receive ongoing editorial guidance, including detailed feedback, sub-editing, fact-checking and legal advice (where necessary) to ensure their work meets the highest journalistic standards.
This editorial partnership will help freelancers refine their reporting and produce publication-ready pieces.
Once completed, the features will be published on The Spinoff’s website.
