Free · No account required · Powered by AI across the world's largest grants + funders database
Currently focused on US federal, state, and foundation grants.
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting is sponsored by The Richard H Driehaus Foundation. Annual awards recognizing investigative and enterprise reporting that reveals government corruption, waste, and mismanagement in Illinois. The awards highlight journalism that serves as a reform tool and fosters transparency.
Geographic focus: Illinois
Focus areas: Investigative Journalism, Government Accountability
Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt:
Awards & Recognition - Illinois Answers Project Government Finance & Accountability Equity & Economic Opportunity Criminal Justice & Public Safety Ways to Give and Helpful Information How to Republish Our Work Better Government Association Government Finance & Accountability Equity & Economic Opportunity Criminal Justice & Public Safety Ways to Give and Helpful Information How to Republish Our Work Better Government Association Government Finance & Accountability Equity & Economic Opportunity Criminal Justice & Public Safety Ways to Give and Helpful Information How to Republish Our Work Better Government Association Stay informed about the issues you care about Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again. Financials & Annual Reports Sarah Brown Boyden Awards – November 2023 The Sarah Brown Boyden Awards honor the best of the best journalism in Chicago and Northern Indiana across 18 different categories presented by the Chicago Journalists Association. THE 2023 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: “Life and death in Chicago’s most dangerous bike lane ,” by Casey Toner, Illinois Answers Project with Mina Bloom and Colin Boyle, Block Club Chicago BEST IN NEWS/SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY “Life and death in Chicago’s most dangerous bike lane” by Casey Toner, Illinois Answers Project, with Mina Bloom and Colin Boyle, Block Club Chicago “Illinois schools slow to spend COVID relief money” by Jewél Jackson, Illinois Answers Project, and Mila Koumpilova, Chalkbeat Chicago “Pritzker’s Personal Fortune Intersects With State Contracts” “A Powerful Pritzker Administration Insider Cashed In as a Consultant” “Insurance Giant Failed Foster Kids with Inadequate Care” by David Jackson, Chuck Neubauer, Grace Golembiewski and Rachel Hinton, Illinois Answers Project Peter Lisagor Awards – May 2023 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976. THE 2022 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST USE OF FEATURE VIDEO Life And Death In Chicago’s Most Dangerous Bike Lane with Block Club Chicago BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING; BEST POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT REPORTING Series: Pritzker administration/Centene investigation Online Journalism Awards – October 2022 The Online News Association named “Dead-end Drug Arrests” as a finalist for a prize recognizing the impact and presentation of data, and “Cabrini-Green: A History of Broken Promises” was recognized for explanatory reporting. THE 2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: FINALIST, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AWARD IN INVESTIGATIVE DATA JOURNALISM Series: Dead-end Drug Arrests with the Sun-Times, DataMade and the USC Annenberg National Health Fellowship as part of The
Application snapshot: target deadline February 23, 2026; published funding information $2,000 - $7,000; eligibility guidance News organizations across Chicago and Illinois reporting on city, county, or state government.
Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
Awards & Recognition - Illinois Answers Project Government Finance & Accountability Equity & Economic Opportunity Criminal Justice & Public Safety Ways to Give and Helpful Information How to Republish Our Work Better Government Association Government Finance & Accountability Equity & Economic Opportunity Criminal Justice & Public Safety Ways to Give and Helpful Information How to Republish Our Work Better Government Association Government Finance & Accountability Equity & Economic Opportunity Criminal Justice & Public Safety Ways to Give and Helpful Information How to Republish Our Work Better Government Association Stay informed about the issues you care about Whoops!
There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again. Financials & Annual Reports Sarah Brown Boyden Awards – November 2023 The Sarah Brown Boyden Awards honor the best of the best journalism in Chicago and Northern Indiana across 18 different categories presented by the Chicago Journalists Association.
THE 2023 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: “Life and death in Chicago’s most dangerous bike lane ,” by Casey Toner, Illinois Answers Project with Mina Bloom and Colin Boyle, Block Club Chicago BEST IN NEWS/SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY “Life and death in Chicago’s most dangerous bike lane” by Casey Toner, Illinois Answers Project, with Mina Bloom and Colin Boyle, Block Club Chicago “Illinois schools slow to spend COVID relief money” by Jewél Jackson, Illinois Answers Project, and Mila Koumpilova, Chalkbeat Chicago “Pritzker’s Personal Fortune Intersects With State Contracts” “A Powerful Pritzker Administration Insider Cashed In as a Consultant” “Insurance Giant Failed Foster Kids with Inadequate Care” by David Jackson, Chuck Neubauer, Grace Golembiewski and Rachel Hinton, Illinois Answers Project Peter Lisagor Awards – May 2023 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976.
THE 2022 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST USE OF FEATURE VIDEO Life And Death In Chicago’s Most Dangerous Bike Lane with Block Club Chicago BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING; BEST POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT REPORTING Series: Pritzker administration/Centene investigation Online Journalism Awards – October 2022 The Online News Association named “Dead-end Drug Arrests” as a finalist for a prize recognizing the impact and presentation of data, and “Cabrini-Green: A History of Broken Promises” was recognized for explanatory reporting.
THE 2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: FINALIST, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AWARD IN INVESTIGATIVE DATA JOURNALISM Series: Dead-end Drug Arrests with the Sun-Times, DataMade and the USC Annenberg National Health Fellowship as part of The Circuit FINALIST, EXPLANATORY REPORTING Series: Cabrini-Green: A History of Broken Promises Salute to Excellence Awards – August 2022 Each year, the National Association of Black Journalists offers awards programs to highlight the impact and work of its members and other journalists, communicators and organizations covering or telling the story of the Black community.
THE 2021 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: NEWSPAPER SERIES (NEWSROOM STAFF 51-100) Series: Dead-end Drug Arrests with the Sun-Times, DataMade and the USC Annenberg National Health Fellowship as part of The Circuit Sigma Delta Chi Awards – June 2022 The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date back to 1932, when the Society of Professional Journalists first honored six individuals for contributions to journalism. The current program began in 1939.
These awards later became the Sigma Delta Chi Awards. The awards recognize the best in professional journalism in categories covering print/online, audio, television, and more.
THE 2021 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: NON-DEADLINE REPORTING (CIRCULATION UP TO 100,000) Series: Dead-end Drug Arrests with the Sun-Times, DataMade and the USC Annenberg National Health Fellowship as part of The Circuit Best of the Press Awards – June 2022 Illinois’ top newspapers were honored at the Illinois Press Association’s annual convention in Springfield.
More than 100 daily and non-daily newspapers competed in 36 editorial categories.
THE 2021 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AWARD; BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING Series: The Failures Before the Fires with Chicago Tribune BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, SECOND PLACE Series: Dead-end Drug Arrests with the Sun-Times, DataMade and the USC Annenberg National Health Fellowship as part of The Circuit Pulitzer Prizes – May 2022 Long considered the pinnacle of journalism excellence, the Pulitzer Prizes exemplify work that holds public or private institutions accountable for their impact on local communities and the country.
Reporters were recognized, “(f)or a piercing examination of the city’s long history of failed building- and fire-safety code enforcement, which let scofflaw landlords commit serious violations that resulted in dozens of unnecessary deaths.
” THE 2021 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: Series: The Failures Before the Fires with Chicago Tribune Illinois Associated Press Media Editors Awards – May 2022 THE 2021 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: PUBLIC SERVICE; BEST DIGITAL STORYTELLING Series: The Failures Before the Fires with Chicago Tribune PUBLIC SERVICE, SECOND PLACE Series: Dead-end Drug Arrests with the Sun-Times, DataMade and the USC Annenberg National Health Fellowship as part of The Circuit Peter Lisagor Awards – May 2022 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976.
THE 2021 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, ALL MEDIA; BEST MULTIMEDIA COLLABORATION, ALL MEDIA; BEST INVESTIGATIVE/PUBLIC SERVICE, ONLINE; BEST USE OF NEWS VIDEO, ONLINE Series: The Failures Before the Fires with Chicago Tribune BEST DATA JOURNALISM, ALL MEDIA; BEST PHOTOGRAPHY, ONLINE Series: Dead-end Drug Arrests with the Sun-Times, DataMade and the USC Annenberg National Health Fellowship as part of The Circuit BEST PODCAST; BEST PODCAST SINGLE EPISODE National Headliner Awards – April 2022 The National Headliner Awards program, presented by the Press Club of Atlantic City, is one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic merit in the communications industry.
The Better Government Association is proud to announce its awards for our work.
THE 2021 STORIES RECOGNIZED : SECOND PLACE, ONLINE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING FOR DIGITAL PARTNERSHIPS Series: The Failures Before the Fires with Chicago Tribune SECOND PLACE, ONLINE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING FOR DIGITAL ONLY WEBSITE Series: Cabrini-Green: A History of Broken Promises Livingston Awards – April 2022 The Better Government Association and the Chicago Tribune were recognized by Wallace House and the University of Michigan for the series “The Failures Before the Fires.
” The awards recognize the best reporting and storytelling by journalists under the age of 35 across all forms of journalism.
THE 2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: FINALIST, LOCAL REPORTING Series: The Failures Before the Fires with Chicago Tribune SABEW Awards – April 2022 Block Club Chicago and The Better Government Association were recognized by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing for reporting about vaccine distribution at Loretto Hospital that “shows us the real damage that was done as a result.
” THE 2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: HEALTH/SCIENCE, SMALL DIVISION Series: Loretto Hospital coverage with Block Club Chicago Block Club Chicago and The Better Government Association were recognized by the Park Center for Independent Media at Ithaca College for “trailblazing reporting on corruption in the healthcare system.
” THE 2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN INDEPENDENT MEDIA Series: Loretto Hospital coverage with Block Club Chicago, Milking Medicaid Goldsmith Prize – March 2022 The Better Government Association and the Chicago Tribune were recognized by the Harvard Kennedy School for work that was “of extremely high quality and fit the Prize’s criteria for impact on US public policy…” THE 2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: The Failures Before the Fires with Chicago Tribune Chicago Journalists Association Awards – November 2021 The Better Government Association won six Sarah Brown Boyden Awards for work with partners including The Chicago Tribune, WBEZ, Injustice Watch and DataMade.
THE 2020-2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: BEST OF THE BEST, PUBLIC SERVICE, INVESTIGATIVE The Failures Before the Fires with Chicago Tribune The Circuit with Injustice Watch and DataMade Amazon’s Massive Chicago-Area Expansion Fueled by $741 Million From Taxpayers with WBEZ No Ransom Paid, but Illinois AG Office Is Spending More Than $2.
5 Million on Hacker Attack with Chicago Tribune LION Awards – November 2021 The LION Publishers Awards recognize excellence in journalism and business at local independent online news publishers. Independent judges put a special emphasis on entries that rise above the ordinary, show an entrepreneurial spirit and provide a blueprint for other publishers in the field.
THE 2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: FINALIST, COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR Series: Loretto Hospital coverage with Block Club Chicago Nonprofit News Awards – October 2021 The Nonprofit News Awards, from the Institute for Nonprofit News, are the only program that honors the achievements of nonprofit newsrooms across the U. S. and Canada.
THE 2020-2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: FINALIST, JOURNALISM PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR Series: The Circuit with Injustice Watch and DataMade Online Journalism Awards – September 2021 The Online News Association named “The Failures Before the Fires” as a finalist for a prize recognizing newsrooms and companies who have formed external partnerships or collaborations to cover a topic or story with a digital focus.
The project was a partnership with the Chicago Tribune.
THE 2021 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: FINALIST, EXCELLENCE IN COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS Series: The Failures Before the Fires Peter Lisagor Awards – May 2021 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976.
THE 2020 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST DATA JOURNALISM, ALL MEDIA; BEST INVESTIGATIVE/PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTING, ONLINE; AND BEST SERIES, NON-DEADLINE, ONLINE The Circuit with Injustice Watch, The Chicago Reporter and DataMade BEST BUSINESS OR CONSUMER REPORTING – ONLINE Amazon’s Massive Chicago-Area Expansion Fueled by $741 Million From Taxpayers .
with WBEZ BEST COMMENTARY – SPECIALTY/TRADE Chicago Journalists Association Awards – November 2020 David Jackson was honored by the Chicago Journalists Association for high-impact work throughout his career. THE WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Editor & Publisher EPPY Awards – October 2020 Now in its 25th year, this international contest honors the best digital-media websites.
The BGA shares this recognition with Block Club Chicago, Chalkbeat Chicago, The Chicago Reporter, The Daily Line, La Raza and The TRiiBE.
THE 2019-2020 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: FINALIST, BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE WITH UNDER 1 MILLION UNIQUE MONTHLY VISITORS Series: Lens on Lightfoot Peter Lisagor Awards – May 2020 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976.
THE 2019 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: GENERAL EXCELLENCE IN ONLINE JOURNALISM BEST IN-DEPTH REPORTING IN A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Small Town Government, Chicago-style Politics . with The Riverside-Brookfield Landmark BEST SPECIALTY/CRIME NEWS – TELEVISION Auxiliary Officers Pose Risks in Illinois Towns . with NBC 5 Chicago Jesse H.
Neal Awards – April 2020 The Jesse H. Neal Awards honor editorial excellence in business media. The Better Government Association is proud to share this award for our work on The Forum as part of the series with media partner Crain’s Chicago Business.
THE 2019 STORY RECOGNIZED : BEST SERIES, HIGH REVENUE PUBLICATIONS The Forum | Water: Storms, Flooding Hit Poorest Communities Hardest National Headliner Awards – April 2020 The National Headliner Awards program, presented by the Press Club of Atlantic City, is one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic merit in the communications industry.
The Better Government Association is proud to announce its award for our work with media partner Fox 32-Chicago.
THE 2019 STORY RECOGNIZED : THIRD PLACE, ONLINE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING Small Town Government, Chicago-style Politics National City and Regional Magazine Awards – March 2020 The Better Government Association — with media partner Chicago magazine — was honored by the City and Regional Magazine Association for its high-caliber investigative news piece.
THE 2019 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: FINALIST, MULTIPLATFORM STORYTELLING Series: O’Hare’s Billions in Broken Promises Emmy Awards – November 2019 This award is presented by the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The Better Government Association is proud to announce its Chicago/Midwest Emmy award for our work with media partners NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago.
THE 2018 STORY RECOGNIZED : OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT FOR NEWS GATHERING – INVESTIGATIVE SINGLE STORY Chicago Journalists Association Awards – November 2019 The Better Government Association — with media partner Chicago magazine — was honored by the Chicago Journalists Association for its high-caliber investigative news piece.
THE 2019 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: Series: O’Hare’s Billions in Broken Promises Editor & Publisher EPPY Awards – October 2019 Now in its 24th year, this international contest honors the best digital-media websites.
THE 2018-2019 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST INVESTIGATIVE/ENTERPRISE FEATURE (Under 1 million unique monthly visitors) Series: O’Hare’s Billions in Broken Promises BEST INNOVATION PROJECT (Under 1 million unique monthly visitors) Series: Recycling in Chicago Online Journalism Awards – August 2019 The Online News Association named “Recycling in Chicago” as a finalist for a prize recognizing work that uncover major news based on the reporters’ own investigations that advance and serve the public interest, as well as for newsroom excellence.
THE 2018 WORK RECOGNIZED INCLUDES: FINALIST, AL NEUHARTH INNOVATION IN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AWARD Series: Recycling in Chicago FINALIST, GENERAL EXCELLENCE IN ONLINE JOURNALISM Silver Dome Awards – June 2019 These awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association recognize broadcast excellence statewide.
THE 2018 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST TV HARD NEWS – CHICAGO MARKET The Cost of #MeToo with NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago Data Journalism Awards – May 2019 The Data Journalism Awards are the first international awards recognizing outstanding work in the field of data journalism worldwide. Started in 2012, the competition is organized by the Global Editors Network, with support from the Google News Lab, the John S. and James L.
Knight Foundation, and in partnership with Chartbeat and Microsoft. THE 2018 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: FINALIST, INVESTIGATION OF THE YEAR As Tons of Chicago Recycling Go to Dumps, a Private Firm Is Paid Twice Herman Kogan Media Awards – May 2019 The Chicago Bar Association presents the awards to journalists who cover topics related to the law, the courts, or the administration of justice.
THE 2018 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: Series: Taking Cover (Online) with WBEZ MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT (BROADCAST) The Cost of #MeToo with NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago Peter Lisagor Awards – May 2019 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976.
THE 2018 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST NEWS SPECIALTY – CRIME (TELEVISION) Emanuel Decries Police Code of Silence. But City-Paid Expert Says It Doesn’t Exist . with NBC 5 Chicago BEST ONLINE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Is your blue cart recycling tossed in a landfill?
An American Suburb with WBEZ Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards – April 2019 The Radio Television Digital News Association honors outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. These awards are among the most prestigious in broadcast and digital news.
THE 2018 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: NEWS SERIES – RADIO LARGE MARKET An American Suburb with WBEZ INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING – TELEVISION LARGE MARKET The Cost of #MeToo with NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Association Awards – April 2019 The competition honors important broadcast journalism through its annual awards.
THE 2018 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORT – FIRST PLACE The Cost of #MeToo with NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago Editor & Publisher EPPY Awards – October 2018 Now in its 23rd year, this international contest honors the best digital-media websites.
THE 2018 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST COLLABORATIVE INVESTIGATIVE/ENTERPRISE REPORTING (Under 1 million unique monthly visitors) BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE ON A MEDIA-AFFILIATED WEBSITE (Under 1 million unique monthly visitors) Ruderman Awards for Excellence in Reporting on Disability – October 2018 Established by the Ruderman Family Foundation, the competition is the only journalism contest devoted exclusively to recognizing excellence in the coverage of people with disabilities and disability issues.
The program is administered by the National Center on Disability and Journalism at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
THE 2018 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: THIRD PLACE, KATHERINE SCHNEIDER MEDAL Online Journalism Awards – August 2018 The Online News Association named “Taking Cover” as a finalist for the Knight Award for Public Service, a prize recognizing digital journalism that performs a public service for a defined and specific community through compelling coverage of a vital community issue or event.
THE 2018 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: FINALIST, KNIGHT AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE Kevin Carmody Award for Outstanding In-depth Reporting – August 2018 The Society of Environmental Journalists each year honors journalists for the best articles, radio broadcasts and videos in seven categories, this time naming winners for work released during the year beginning March 1, 2017, and February 28, 2018.
THE 2017 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: SECOND PLACE, SMALL MARKET National Awards for Education Reporting – May 2018 Awarded by the Education Writers Association, the awards’ goals are to encourage and inspire more and better education journalism and to underscore the importance of excellent coverage and storytelling as a cornerstone of democracy and education.
THE 2017 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, SMALL STAFF Peter Lisagor Awards – May 2018 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976.
THE 2017 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST IN-DEPTH REPORTING IN A BUSINESS MAGAZINE OR NEWSPAPER (NON-DAILY) BEST NEWS COLUMN OR COMMENTARY (NON-DAILY) Herman Kogan Media Awards – May 2018 The Chicago Bar Association presents the awards to journalists who cover topics related to the law, the courts, or the administration of justice. THE 2017 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT (ONLINE) Thomas L.
Stokes Award for Best Energy Writing – April 2018 Each year, the National Press Foundation presents the Thomas L. Stokes Award to a U. S.
-based journalist for the best writing on the subject of energy. The Stokes Award was established in the spring of 1959 by friends and admirers of the late Thomas L. Stokes, the syndicated Washington columnist on national affairs.
It is given annually for the best writing “in the independent spirit of Tom Stokes” on subjects of interest to him including energy, natural resources and the environment.
THE 2017 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: Illinois Associated Press Media Editors Awards – March 2018 THE 2017 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST ENTERPRISE STORY (‘Metro’ division) Autistic Teen’s Death In CPS Pool Heightens Questions Of Special Ed Care with the Chicago Sun-Times Eugene S.
Pulliam First Amendment Award – September 2017 Presented by the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, the Society of Professional Journalists’ educational foundation, the award recognizes those who have fought to protect and preserve one or more of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.
THE 2017 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: Series: Personal Emails, Public Business Best of the Press Awards – June 2017 Illinois’ top newspapers were honored at the Illinois Press Association’s annual convention in Springfield. More than 100 daily and non-daily newspapers competed in 36 editorial categories.
THE 2016 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST INVESTIGATIVE/ENTERPRISE REPORTING Series: Beyond the Rubble: Life after the CHA Upheaval with the Chicago Sun-Times Lisagor Awards – May 2017 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976.
THE 2016 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT REPORTING (circulation more than 100,000) Series: Beyond the Rubble: Life after the CHA Upheaval with the Chicago Sun-Times BEST INVESTIGATIVE/PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTING Series: Pension and Payroll in Illinois with the Chicago Sun-Times BEST CONTINUING BLOG (AFFILIATED) Kogan Media Awards – May 2017 Two BGA stories were recognized by the Chicago Bar Association, which sponsors the awards contest.
THE 2016 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BGA Forces Release of Mayor Rahm Emanuel Private Emails, Garners Landmark Policy Shift Series: Beyond the Rubble: Life after the CHA Upheaval with the Chicago Sun-Times Chicago Journalists Association Awards – November 2015 The Better Government Association — with media partner Chicago Sun-Times — was recently honored by the Chicago Journalists Association for a high-caliber investigative news story.
THE 2015 STORY RECOGNIZED: INVESTIGATIONS, POLITICS AND EDUCATION REPORTING Accused Of Raping Intern, Cop Still On Force Lisagor Awards – May 2015 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976.
THE 2014 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: BEST IN-DEPTH REPORTING IN A MAGAZINE OR MAGAZINE SECTION, BEST POLITICAL REPORTING IN A NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE, BEST EDUCATION REPORTING IN A NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORT, BEST HEALTH OR SCIENCE REPORTING BEST BUSINESS OR CONSUMER REPORTING Illinois Public Hospitals Pay $180 Million For Wrongful Death Cases BEST NEWS SPECIALTY/RELIGIOUS CATEGORY Kogan Media Awards – May 2015 Two BGA stories about municipal finances in Illinois were recognized in the online category by the Chicago Bar Association, which sponsors the awards contest.
THE 2014 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: Next Up: Illinois Municipal Bankruptcy? Edward R. Murrow Awards – April 2015 The BGA’s web site, the main vehicle for BGA investigative stories, was recognized for regional excellence by the Radio Television Digital News Association.
Awarded: REGIONAL SMALL ONLINE NEWS ORGANIZATION WEBSITE Chicago Journalists Association Awards – October 2014 The Better Government Association — with media partners Chicago magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times — was honored by the Chicago Journalists Association for three high-caliber investigative news pieces.
THE 2014 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: INVESTIGATIONS, POLITICS AND EDUCATION REPORTING A Rush Of Financial Questions Cashing In On Congressional Connections Silver Dome Awards – June 2014 The BGA/NBC 5 project won in the Best Program, Series or Documentary category from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.
BEST LOCAL PROGRAM, SERIES OR DOCUMENTARY Kogan Media Awards – May 2014 THE 2014 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: “Disorder in the Bureaucracy of the Courts” series including: Dorothy’s Deed, Done Dirt Cheap ; Record Delays ; Circuit Court Clerk’s Failed Cash Grab Lisagor Awards – May 2014 The Chicago Headline Club, the largest Society of Professional Journalists chapter in the country, presents awards that recognize the best of Chicago journalism and are named for Peter Lisagor, the Chicago Daily News’ Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976.
THE 2013 STORIES RECOGNIZED INCLUDE: DAILY NEWSPAPER: BEST POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT REPORTING A Rush of Financial Questions DAILY NEWSPAPER: BEST BUSINESS OR CONSUMER REPORTING Rescuing Illinois: Government Surplus NON-DAILY: BEST POLITICAL REPORTING IN NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE BROADCAST TELEVISION: BEST IN-DEPTH NEWS STORY OR SERIES BROADCAST TELEVISION: BEST HEALTH OR SCIENCE REPORTING Pilfered Pills at County Pharmacy?
BROADCAST TELEVISION: BEST NEWS SPECIALTY/EDUCATION/SCHOOL NEWS Globetrotting Principal Grounded BROADCAST TELEVISION: BEST NEWS SPECIALTY/POLITICS/GOVERNMENT Scripps Howard Awards – March 2014 Honoring the best work in the communications industry and journalism education in 2013.
The staff of the BGA has won the 2013 Scripps Howard Foundation’s Edward Willis Scripps Award for Distinguished Service to the First Amendment for a body of work that has fostered open communication for 90 years. Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Awards – March 2014 The BGA/NBC 5 project won in the Best Series or Documentary category in the Metro TV section.
THE 2013 STORY RECOGNIZED : Emmy Awards – November 2013 Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The Better Government Association is proud to announce our investigative staff has won a Chicago/Midwest Emmy award for our work with media partner NBC 5.
THE 2013 STORY RECOGNIZED : Kogan Media Awards – May 2013 Lisagor Awards – May 2013 THE 2012 STORIES RECOGNIZED : BUSINESS REPORTING: ONLINE IN-DEPTH REPORTING, NON-DAILY PUBLICATION: SPECIALTY/TRADE IN-DEPTH NEWS STORY OR SERIES: TELEVISION INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING: TELEVISION Emmy Awards – October 2012 Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
This story was a collaboration with our media partner FOX Chicago and investigative reporter Dane Placko. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT FOR NEWS SPECIALTY – REPORT/SERIES, EDUCATION/SCHOOLS, FEATURE OR SERIES CPS Principal Spends Thousands of Taxpayer Dollars on Travel Lisagor Awards – May 2012 THE 2011 STORY RECOGNIZED : CHA CEO Used Credit Cards for Expensive Dinners Edward R.
Murrow Awards – April 2012 The High Costs of Wrongful Convictions Here at the Illinois Answers Project, our team of reporters work every day to uncover waste and wrongdoing in government, hold public officials accountable, and lift up solutions to Illinois’ most pressing problems. Better Government Association 223 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 300 Chicago, IL 60606 © 2026 Illinois Answers Project
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: News organizations across Chicago and Illinois reporting on city, county, or state government. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $2,000 - $7,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is February 23, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Designing a Better Chicago: Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Built Environment Award is sponsored by The Richard H Driehaus Foundation. A specific award category within the Designing a Better Chicago program that supports leaders and organizations working to preserve Chicago's historic architecture and protect its parks and open spaces through community-centered design. Geographic focus: Chicago, IL Focus areas: Built Environment, Design, Historic Preservation Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: Home | Driehaus Foundation Investigative Journalism for Government Accountability Inquiry and Application Process Investigative Journalism for Government Accountability Inquiry and Application Process Investigative Journalism for Government Accountability We are committed to enriching the lives of all Chicagoans by improving the built environment, cultivating a robust and diverse arts and culture ecosystem, and supporting investigative journalism that fosters transparency, accountability, and effective government. Tour of Englewood Agro-Eco District Revitalizing Illinois News through Press Forward November 2025 Grant Awards Driehaus Foundation Awards $2 Million Grant to South Side Community Art Center for Historic Renovation ️ 21st Annual Driehaus Bungalow Awards Built Environment – Friends of the Chicago River Arts and Culture – Michelle Reid Investigative Journalism for Government Accountability – The Center for Investigative Reporting Application snapshot: target deadline February 15, 2026; published funding information $25,000; eligibility guidance Individuals or organizations using design to address challenges in Chicago communities; self-nominations are accepted. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Awards is sponsored by The Richard H Driehaus Foundation. The highest national recognition for preservation projects across the United States, celebrating projects that highlight cutting-edge preservation approaches, technologies, and community impact. Geographic focus: National (United States) Focus areas: Historic Preservation, Architecture Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: Home | Driehaus Foundation Investigative Journalism for Government Accountability Inquiry and Application Process Investigative Journalism for Government Accountability Inquiry and Application Process Investigative Journalism for Government Accountability We are committed to enriching the lives of all Chicagoans by improving the built environment, cultivating a robust and diverse arts and culture ecosystem, and supporting investigative journalism that fosters transparency, accountability, and effective government. Tour of Englewood Agro-Eco District Revitalizing Illinois News through Press Forward November 2025 Grant Awards Driehaus Foundation Awards $2 Million Grant to South Side Community Art Center for Historic Renovation ️ 21st Annual Driehaus Bungalow Awards Built Environment – Friends of the Chicago River Arts and Culture – Michelle Reid Investigative Journalism for Government Accountability – The Center for Investigative Reporting Application snapshot: target deadline March 20, 2026; published funding information Not specified; eligibility guidance Preservation projects completed within the last three years in the United States; self-nominations are accepted. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
