MNSPJ introduces The A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Minnesota

The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists is announcing the 2025 A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Minnesota. 

This new award seeks to recognize outstanding investigative journalism in our state with $15,000 in prize money for journalists and their newsrooms. 

• First place: $5,000 for the reporter(s) and $2,500 for the outlet that published or aired the winning story
• Second place: $3,000 for the reporter(s) and $1,500 for the outlet
• Third place: $2,000 for the reporter(s) and $1,000 for the outlet

The cash prizes, sponsored by the A-Mark Foundation, will be awarded at the 2025 Page One Awards in June.

The contest is seeking ambitious, well-researched reporting that may expose a wrong, hold powerful individuals accountable, or explore a complex problem, issue or subject. These stories should contain information not readily available to the public or news media, obtained through the reporter or news organization’s initiative. Entries will be judged on quality and extent of research and reporting, along with the impact the reporting has had or has the potential to have.

The contest opens on Wednesday, January 15th. Completed entries are due no later than 10 p.m. on Friday, February 28th. 

Entries will be judged by a special panel of seasoned reporters/editors who live and work outside of Minnesota.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

Entry Details:

• The entry fee is $30.
• Work from any medium is eligible.
• Work published or broadcast during the 2024 calendar year is eligible. A series of stories must have started publication or broadcast in 2024.
• Both single stories and series are eligible. Entries may include up to five related stories.
• Entries must provide a supporting statement (500 words max) that explains where the story idea came from, any unique aspects of the reporting, any challenges the reporter/team overcame to publish the story and the impact of the reporting.
• Reporting by an individual or team is eligible. See specific eligibility requirements below.
• Entrants are responsible for providing contest organizers with instructions so that judges can call up submissions that are housed behind website paywalls.
• All nominations must meet standards set forth in the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics. Entries should include all related corrections, clarifications or retractions.

Eligibility:

• Minnesota-based journalists (including freelancers and contract employees) working for news outlets in Minnesota or news outlets in neighboring states that cover Minnesota are eligible to enter.
• Work done as part of a collaboration or partnership is welcome, but must have 1) a Minnesota-based journalist on the entry AND 2) must have been published by a Minnesota-based news outlet.
• Up to four individuals may be named on a team entry. If more than four individuals contributed to the reporting, the entry should list “staff.”

Key Dates:

• The contest opens on Wednesday, January 15th. 
• Entries and payment are due no later than 10 p.m. on Friday, February 28th.
• Winners will be announced at the 2025 Page One Awards Banquet in June.

About A-Mark: The A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1997. A-Mark is dedicated to supporting and encouraging journalism and investigative reporting through grants to organizations that offer awards recognizing journalistic excellence. One of A-Mark’s flagship initiatives is the A-Mark Prizes program, which recognizes and rewards the best investigative journalism in each state. Click here to learn more.