StoryLab Development Grant

We offer small grants and editorial support to help freelance journalists in Southern California develop new story ideas and turn them into strong, publication-ready pitches. Selected participants receive $500 and work one-on-one with editors through a short, structured process.

Apply here to be considered for the next StoryLab cohort. The deadline to apply is ***Friday, April 24th at 6:00pm PT***. 

Great story ideas don’t always make it to publication. Not because they’re not strong, but because freelancers often lack the time, support or resources to fully develop them.

The StoryLab Development Microgrant is designed to help change that.

Each cycle, LARC supports a small group of Southern California–based freelance journalists with $500 microgrants and hands-on editorial mentorship to help move a story from idea to a strong, publication-ready pitch. Whether you’re exploring a new beat, working in a new format or trying to break into a new outlet, StoryLab is built to support that next step.

This program is especially geared toward journalists who are:

-Exploring a new beat, format, or angle

-Looking to break into new outlets

-Working on stories rooted in local communities across Southern California

Our goal is not just to support a single story, but to help build momentum, connecting journalists to editors, strengthening their work, and expanding their pathways forward. Selected participants will work closely with experienced editors, receive thoughtful feedback and, when possible, be connected to outlets and partners across the region.

Who This is For:

Freelance journalists based in Southern California with a small but growing body of work (a few bylines or ~2–4 years of experience), especially those looking to expand into new beats, formats or outlets.

If you have a story you’ve been wanting to pursue but haven’t had the support to get it there, this is for you!

The deadline to apply is ***Friday, April 24th at 6:00pm PT***. 

Want to learn more? Click here to register for an informational Zoom webinar on applying for a development grant on Tuesday 4/21