The Hatch Institute publishes investigative journalism, often with media partners, and supports the work of emerging reporters and writers.
The Hatch Institute, which launched in 2014 as the Contently Foundation, provides a forum for the next generation of public-service journalists and mentors those new to investigative work. Our goal is clear: empower independent reporters by giving them the financial resources and guidance required to tell great stories, hold the powerful to account and reveal uncomfortable truths.
The Hatch Institute, created as the Contently Foundation in 2014, exists to nurture the craft of investigative journalism.
The Hatch Institute provides a forum for the next generation of public-service journalists and mentors those new to investigative work. Our goal is clear: empower independent reporters by giving them the financial resources and guidance required to tell great stories, hold the powerful to account and uncover uncomfortable truths.
Success came early. Our first published piece, which detailed how young women play an unwitting role in the deadly blackmarket trafficking of handguns, got the 2015 Donald Robinson Memorial Award for investigative reporting, given by the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
We went on to expose secrets of the erotic massage industry; a fight to stop fracking waste from polluting a small town in rural Pennsylvania; hidden conflicts of interest in the judiciary; and unequal pay for women in public service.
These stories were co-published with an array of news organizations, including The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The New York Post, Fusion, Medium and more.
At a time when the traditional news business continues to struggle financially — and investigative units in particular face severely depleted funding — we believe that investment in truly independent journalism is one of the most powerful ways we can serve the common good.
But there’s been a power shift in the industry. As venerable publications find themselves in the hands tech billionaires and retail giants, we feel strongly that the American media must strive to remain completely free of corporate influence.
The Hatch Institute seeks funding from a variety of donors, many of them acclaimed foundations with a history of backing independent journalism, an approach we believe positions the Institute to develop in a way most news organizations can not.
We strive to be a model for the teaching and training that young reporters need to succeed in the demanding enterprise of investigative reporting.
Award-winning investigative reporter for the NBC News affiliate in Atlanta and winner of dozens of regional Emmys. Recipient of the George Foster Peabody Award, broadcast journalism’s highest honor.
Editor for the ABC News Investigative Unit, which contributes coverage of national security, political corruption and human rights to Good Morning America, World News Tonight with David Muir, Nightline and 20/20.
Dan Patterson, Sara Stewart, Danielle Shapiro, Marcus Baram, Peter Green, Stefanie Cohen, John Mazor, Tamarra Kemsley, Chris Francescani
Philip Garrity, Kristen Poli, Erin Nelson, Ines Tamaddon, Maria Vinokurov
The Hatch Institute is all about fresh voices and fresh perspectives. Fill out our contact form with questions and comments you’d like us to hear. If you’d like to submit a tip or story idea, you can do that here.