- Online Course on the Pillars of Data-Driven Investigative Journalism. ICFJ works with the University of Guadalajara (UdeG) to implement an annual six-week online course on fundamentals of data-driven investigative journalism and digital security. The course serves as a first step toward improving the professional development skills of independent journalists, editors, and civil society actors interested in developing anti-corruption, transparency and accountability projects.
- In Person & Asynchronous Training Activities: a) State-by-State Workshops train participants on data journalism techniques, financial forensics and security protocols. These large, in-person trainings target around 25 - 30 journalists per activity. b) Learning Pods are also small group in-person trainings adapted for the Covid-19 pandemic. These activities target 10 to 15 reporters who learn about investigative and data journalism, as well as financial forensics and security protocols. c) Online Courses are virtual trainings designed to reach journalists that may not be able to attend in-person activities. These complementary workshops focus on: i) Covering breaking news and conducting investigative journalism; ii) Using open-source digital tools for investigative journalism; iii) Data analysis and information design; and iv) Data visualization tools: maps and graphs
- Investigathons are intensive training and coaching events allow participants to meet with experienced reporters and data experts, seek additional guidance on investigative stories, and network with peers from anti-corruption media and civil society organizations. Investigathons are designed to help those already invested in producing investigative projects.
- Data Boot Camp is an annual event that invites investigative reporters, civil society actors, data experts, programmers, and civic-tech designers to collaborate on anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability projects. This activity combines theoretical and practical learning on the principles of design thinking, prototyping, and testing project ideas, working with teams of coders and app developers, and applying civic tech to anti-corruption investigative projects. The event also includes presentations, discussions, and coaching from Mexico and Latin America’s leading experts in data and technology-driven investigative journalism. At the end of the event, three projects will be selected to receive seed funding and develop a project throughout the year.
- Individual Reporting Fellowships: Our program allows participating journalists to apply the lessons learned from prior training and produce high-quality investigative stories. Journalists and civil society actors are eligible for reporting fellowships and small grants to cover costs of their reporting projects, including travel, photography, multimedia, data access and/or digital or data analysis software. Throughout the process, each individual receives personalized editorial coaching and mentorship. The Border Hub mentorship team is made up of experienced and award-winning journalists who believe in training the next generation of reporters in Mexico.
- Organizational Grants: Independent and native digital media outlets are eligible to participate in the organizational grant program. Participating organizations receive tailored training on how to work with international donors, administer grants and programs, hire new talent, develop investigative journalism units, work with data experts and technologists, and build long-term sustainability plans for each organization. In addition, the program also works with SembraMedia who runs a business accelerator, and provides sustainability grants, mentorships, and support to independent and digital native media outlets in Mexico.
- Public Events: ICFJ works with Iniciativa Sinaloa to organize roundtable events with representatives of the media, and civil society to discuss key policies and themes on transparency, accountability, and corruption vulnerabilities. These discussions identify problems and propose policy solutions to address corruption issues in Mexico. In addition, Connectas conducts virtual dialogues that bring in subject matter experts and contextualize Mexico’s transparency and accountability challenges happening around Latin America.
- Policy Research Papers ICFJ works with Iniciativa Sinaloa and its CSO partners to commission policy research papers that analyze corruption vulnerabilities and provide policy recommendations that are shared with government institutions.
- Reporting Awards ICFJ and BCJB recognize the best investigative projects on corruption, selecting the best three publications produced during the year. The selection committee evaluates these stories based on their relevance, use of data-driven tools, the inclusion of multimedia into the storytelling, and the potential impact of each investigation. The top story receives a $1,000 prize and the two others a $500 recognition.
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We exposed corruption and human rights abuses working in a cross-border network supported by ICFJ.
— Lisseth Boon, Venezuela