The Impact Fund for Reporting on Health Equity and Health Systems is a grant program administered by the Center for Health Journalism at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. It is designed to support ambitious investigative or explanatory journalism projects that focus on systemic racism in public health, health care policy, and medical practice. The fund seeks to highlight inequities in treatment, access to care, patient experience, and health outcomes for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). The goal of the fund is to encourage journalism that examines how racial bias—whether structural or unconscious—affects health systems and contributes to disparities in public health.

Grantees will receive financial support ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to help cover reporting costs. Additionally, awardees will benefit from five months of mentorship from veteran journalists, monthly development and brainstorming sessions, and four webinars dedicated to health equity in health systems. The program provides a collaborative environment for journalists to develop their skills, refine their investigative approach, and connect with peers working on similar issues.

The fund is open to journalists who are committed to producing in-depth investigative or explanatory reporting projects. The supported projects should aim to shed light on chronic inequities in public health and health care systems and propose potential paths for change. The program encourages journalists to explore how systemic forces impact individuals, families, and communities.

Applications for the 2025 funding cycle are due by March 26, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the program's frequently asked questions (FAQs) and reach out to the program team at chj@usc.edu for further information. The application process requires submitting a well-defined project proposal that aligns with the program’s mission.

The Center for Health Journalism emphasizes that journalism plays a crucial role in exposing and addressing health care disparities. The fund is intended to support reporters who are dedicated to deep investigative work in this area. Successful applicants will be selected based on the strength of their project proposals, their commitment to investigative health journalism, and their potential to contribute meaningful reporting on racial bias in health care systems.

The program is based at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, located at 3630 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089. Applicants can also contact the center by phone at (213) 821-8824. Those interested in future funding cycles are encouraged to sign up for the newsletter for updates on upcoming opportunities.