The 2015 round of The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund is now open. Journalists are invited to submit proposals for investigations that seek to service the public interest. The deadline for applications is Friday, 27 November 2015 at 5PM.
For information on how to apply, visit www.maryrafteryfund.ie/apply/
About The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund was created as a result of an initiative by the family and friends of investigative journalist Mary Raftery, who died in January 2012. The aim of the fund is to promote more in-depth investigative coverage of issues close to Mary’s heart.
Of all the work Mary Raftery completed in her career, she is best known for ‘States of Fear’, a 1999 documentary series that presented the public with evidence of the physical and sexual abuse of children in residential care institutions in Ireland. The series is credited with leading to the establishment of the Ryan Commission of Inquiry into child sex abuse and the setting up of the Residential Institutions Redress Board.
Mary Raftery
There were three Awards rounds in 2012, 2013 and 2014 under the themes mental health, migrant issues, children’s rights, and public interest. Awards totaling over €155,000 were made to 33 successful journalists from all strands of media.
Applications are welcome from both staff and freelance journalists as well as ‘starter’ journalists with less than two years’ journalism experience. Up to €40,000 will be available for allocation in the round. The maximum payable to any applicant will be €18,000.
All applications will be considered and awards made by a panel of independent judges. The panel will be chaired by journalist Olivia O’Leary. Conor Brady, former editor of The Irish Times; Dr. Mary Corcoran, Professor of Sociology at NUI Maynooth; and Sheila Ahern, researcher and former colleague of Mary Raftery.