2026 Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting Now Open

News organizations across Chicago and Illinois encouraged to submit entries by February 23 deadline

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:55pm

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The 22nd annual Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting are now accepting submissions from news organizations across Chicago and Illinois. The awards recognize the essential role investigative journalism plays in strengthening democracy in the state. Judged by a panel of journalists and media educators, the awards offer cash prizes for both large and small newsrooms.

Why it matters

The Driehaus Foundation Awards highlight the importance of investigative reporting in holding public officials and institutions accountable. In a time of increasing challenges facing the news industry, these awards help support and elevate high-quality investigative journalism that serves local communities across Illinois.

The details

Submissions are open until February 23 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Print, digital, radio, and television reporting published between January 1 and December 31, 2025 is eligible. There is no limit on the number of stories a newsroom can submit. In addition to the cash prizes, the awards ceremony on May 7 will feature a community-centered storytelling panel and a conversation with Errin Haines, editor-at-large at The 19th.

  • Submissions are open until February 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
  • Finalists will be notified via email on March 16, 2026.
  • The awards ceremony will take place on May 7, 2026 from 3:30-8:30 p.m. at Venue SIX10 in downtown Chicago.

The players

Richard H. Driehaus Foundation

The organization that established the awards, inspired by the late Richard Driehaus' deep belief in the power of journalism and his longstanding partnership with the Better Government Association.

Better Government Association

A non-profit, non-partisan organization that partners with the Driehaus Foundation on the awards program.

Errin Haines

Editor-at-large at The 19th, who will participate in an engaging conversation at the awards ceremony.

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What’s next

Finalists will be notified via email on March 16, 2026.

The takeaway

The Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting provide critical support and recognition for the vital work of investigative journalists across Illinois, helping to strengthen accountability and democracy in local communities.