INF Launches New Business-for-Good Journalism Contest
The Iowa Newspaper Foundation has launched the first-annual Iowa Business-for-Good Journalism Contest, inviting college students across the state to explore how Iowa businesses create both economic value and positive social impact.
This unique contest requires two-student teams, one journalism student and one business student, to collaborate on an original, unpublished story produced between Sept. 1, 2025, and April 15, 2026. Teams may come from the same institution or from different colleges and universities.
Prizes
- 1st Place: $1,000 to the team + $1,000 to their school
- 2nd Place: $500 to the team + $500 to their school
- 3rd Place: $250 to the team + $250 to their school
Finalists and honorable mentions will also be recognized. Select entries may be considered for publication by the Des Moines Business Record.
What to Submit
Entries must include:
- A 1,500–2,000-word feature story
- A feature image, data visualization, source portraits, and two additional multimedia elements
- Captions, transcripts/alt text as needed
- A fact-check memo and contribution statement explaining each student’s role
Stories should analyze both the business or economic dimension and the social impact of an Iowa business or organization. Judges will look for strong reporting, multiple perspectives, and solution-focused storytelling.
Deadlines
- Entries due: May 1, 2026
- Winners announced: June 1, 2026
About the Program
The contest is made possible by a gift honoring Mary-Anne Vieregger and is presented by the Iowa Newspaper Association in partnership with the Drake School of Journalism & Mass Communication, the Zimpleman College of Business, the Iowa Newspaper Foundation, and the Des Moines Business Record.
For full guidelines and submission details, visit inanews.com/learn/goodjournalismcontest