Submissions are now open for the 2022 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting, and news organizations across the state are encouraged to apply. This year, we’re introducing a new category designed to recognize investigative and enterprising journalism by smaller organizations and those that reach beyond the Chicago market.
The Smaller Newsrooms category is for news organizations with head offices in Illinois with an editorial staff of 25 or fewer people. News organizations that qualify for this category may still enter the main category.
Judged by a panel of journalists and media educators, the Driehaus Awards highlight the impact of Illinois investigative reporting in exposing waste, fraud, inequity and corruption in government and leading to reform.
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation has sponsored these awards for nearly 15 years thanks to the late Richard Driehaus’ longtime commitment to a strong government built on the highest principles of integrity, equity, accountability and transparency.
The Better Government Association will present the awards at an in-person ceremony in May. Recording of the celebration will be available for streaming later. Details to come.
More details about the awards:
Main Category
- 1st Place – $ 12,000
- 2nd Place – $ 5,000
Smaller Newsrooms Category
- 1st Place – $ 7,000
- 2nd Place – $ 2,000
Readers’ Choice – $1,000
To apply and for contest rules, visit award.bettergov.org.
Deadline for submissions: Entries must be submitted by Monday, April 11 at 11:59 PM CST.
Questions: Contact Nina Fuentes at nfuentes@bettergov.org
About BGA
The Better Government Association is one of the nation’s oldest nonpartisan, nonprofit investigative journalism and civic advocacy organizations. Founded in 1923, the BGA has devoted close to a century to promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government in Chicago and across Illinois.
