Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
Returning for 2026, the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting will again recognize excellence in investigative reporting in the Show-Me State with winners receiving a portion of the $15,000 prize pool.
First place winners in the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism will be awarded $5,000 to the journalist or journalists that produce the winning entry, along with $2,500 to the news organization that publishes or broadcasts the entry.
Second place winners will receive $3,000 for the journalist(s) and $1,500 to the news organization. Third place awards $2,000 to the journalist(s) and $1,000 to the newsroom.
Enter the contest using the form here: https://bit.ly/47FagW8.
You can learn more about 2025’s winners at https://bit.ly/43T3DP0.
The contest for the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism is open to all journalists and all news organizations in Missouri. The deadline for entering the 2026 contest will be 11:59 p.m. Central; Monday, April 6, 2026, and no extension will be granted.
This award recognizes excellence in investigative reporting, defined as the development of information about government, organizations, businesses, institutions or individuals not readily available to journalists and which requires exceptional skill and effort by the journalist.
In many cases, the subjects of the reporting wish these topics remain undisclosed to the public. Information presented through the reporting should be presented in a way that gives readers understanding and insight into subject matter that is not generally known to the public.
This contest is open to all news media organizations based in Missouri and their staff members and includes newspapers, broadcast outlets and digital-only platforms. Freelance journalists based in Missouri whose reporting is published or aired by Missouri news media organizations are also eligible to enter.
Entries must have been predominantly published or aired during 2025. Entries must also include a written statement (500 words or less) outlining the background and scope of the entry and highlighting potential outcomes resulting from the reporting. News organizations will be allowed up to three entries for consideration. A fee of $10 per entry will be assessed.
The A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to supporting and encouraging journalism and investigative reporting through grants to organizations that offer awards recognizing journalistic excellence.
Missouri Press Association is the state’s trade industry representing newspapers, digital outlets and other media-adjacent organizations.
