Balancing the variables

To ensure a diverse mix of projects in the public interest, FIRE selects proposals representing the most diverse possible mix of the following criteria: 

• Medium (from print, photojournalism, and radio, to theater and documentary film)
• Subject matter (environmental, national security, etc.) 
• Type of reporting (data-driven, narrative, interpretive)
• Potential impact of work (timely or long-term)
• Geographic focus (domestic or international)
• Coverage area (rural or urban)
• Applicant experience and track record (experienced and promising journalists alike)
• Applicant background (nationality, identity, culture ethnicity, race, gender, and socioeconomic status)