The David Axelrod Reporting Grant

The Gate is pleased to announce the return of the David Axelrod Reporting Grant, established in 2015, and sponsored by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics (IOP). As the founder and director of the IOP, author of a best-selling memoir, host of the critically-acclaimed podcast "The Axe Files," and a former political reporter and City Hall bureau chief for the Chicago Tribune, David Axelrod is committed to elevating the quality of journalism on this campus and beyond. Dylan Wells was the recipient of the inaugural David Axelrod Reporting Grant in 2016. This grant allowed her to pursue reporting opportunities in California along the I-5 Corridor this summer. Read about Dylan's journey here.

The Gate is looking for ambitious, well-researched, and feasible project ideas that shed light on a current issue from a unique perspective. The grant may be applied to travel expenses or other resources needed to execute the project. The winner of this grant will receive funding up to $1000 to pursue an original, long-form reporting project over the summer of 2017.

Please use the form at this link to apply. You will need to include a one-page project proposal and a writing sample. The writer will coordinate with Gate staff throughout the summer with the intention of publishing the piece by October 1, 2017.

Please email eic@uchicagogate.com with any questions about this application.

Deadline to Apply: Friday, April 14 at 11:59pm CT