The Better Government Association still is accepting submissions for its 2022 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting, and news organizations from across Illinois are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submissions has been extended to Monday, May 2, 2022.

Submit your stories through our virtual portal.

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 and an editorial staff of 25 or fewer people. News organizations that qualify for this category may still enter the main category as well.

Judged by a panel of journalists and media educators, the Driehaus Awards highlight the impact of Illinois investigative and enterprise reporting in exposing waste, fraud, inequity and corruption in government and leading to reform.

The Better Government Association will present the awards at an in-person ceremony on Tuesday, June 21. 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, May 2, at 11:59 PM CDT.

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.