A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting
Great investigative journalism doesn’t depend on the size of a newsroom. It begins with curiosity, persistence and a commitment to uncovering information that matters to the community.
The Iowa Newspaper Foundation (INF), in partnership with the A-Mark Foundation, is proud to present the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting, offering $15,000 in total prize money to recognize outstanding investigative journalism in Iowa.
Whether an investigation took months to complete or began with one determined reporter asking the right questions, Iowa newsrooms of every size are encouraged to enter. If your reporting uncovered important information, held decision-makers accountable or created meaningful community impact, we want to see it.
What Qualifies as Investigative Reporting
Investigative stories are defined as those requiring:
- Research involving documents and public records
- Multiple interviews, which may include background sources not named in the published story
- A meaningful investment of time and in-depth research
- Thoughtful planning and development of the article or series
Judges will consider the entry’s community-wide interest and impact, the depth of research, staff time devoted to the work, the newspaper’s commitment to the project and any risks involved in publishing the information.
The A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1997. It supports and encourages journalism and investigative reporting through grants to organizations offering awards that recognize journalistic excellence. One of its flagship initiatives is the A-Mark Prizes program, which recognizes and rewards outstanding investigative journalism in each state.
Entry Requirements
Entries may be presented in print or through a combination of media, including print, digital, audio, video or multimedia. An entry may include a series, with a maximum of five supporting pieces submitted.
Entrants must also provide an explanation addressing the investigative work outlined above and describing the reporting’s impact on the community. This explanation may not exceed one double-spaced page.
Awards
- First place: $5,000 for the journalist(s), plus $2,500 for the newsroom(s)
- Second place: $3,000 for the journalist(s), plus $1,500 for the newsroom(s)
- Third place: $2,000 for the journalist(s), plus $1,000 for the newsroom(s)
Key Dates & Details
Entries for the 2027 Better Newspaper Contest will open on September 1, 2026.
The deadline to enter is 4:30 p.m. CST on October 9, 2026. The submission fee is $7 per entry.
Prizes will be presented on February 4, 2027, during the annual Iowa Newspaper Association Awards Ceremony.
Don’t assume your newsroom is too small or your reporting wasn’t “big” enough. If the work required persistence, uncovered information the public needed to know and made a difference in your community, it deserves consideration.