As new nonprofit investigative reporting startups like ProPublica and Voice of San Diego are working towards sustainability, Boston University’s New England Center for Investigative Reporting (NECIR) is working to create a model that will work nationally.

With the help of a two-year, $400,000 grant, NECIR will be testing the ability of a university-based investigative reporting collaborative to sustain itself long term through funds generated through a series of multimedia journalism projects, including student workshops, paid content delivery, newsroom training and client research services.

‘Investigative reporting is one of democracy’s most important tools for providing citizens with the information they need to hold the powerful accountable and make informed decisions,’ said NECIR Director Joe Bergantino. ‘Our goal is to create a national model for ensuring the long-term survival of this important type of journalism.’

Read the full press release.