Guide: How to Pitch & Publish with the Economic Hardship Reporting Project (EHRP)

Section 1 · What EHRP is

Mission, model, and who they support

The Economic Hardship Reporting Project (EHRP) is a U.S.-based nonprofit newsroom that funds, trains, and publishes journalism about poverty, workers’ rights, and economic inequality. They frequently co-publish commissioned pieces with mainstream outlets and provide grants to independent journalists to produce reported work. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

EHRP’s work centers two related things: (1) supporting journalists who either have lived experience of economic hardship or who are producing in-depth coverage of inequality; and (2) getting that reporting into large outlets through co-publishing partnerships so it reaches readers and decision-makers. That model means EHRP both funds work and helps editors place it. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Editors & contact: the site publishes an editorial staff page and contact information for submission queries — keep these pages open while preparing a pitch. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Section 2 · Accepted work

Which formats and topics EHRP accepts (and prefers)

EHRP accepts and funds a wide range of nonfiction storytelling related to economic hardship and inequality. Typical accepted formats include:

• Long-form reported features (deep reporting into a systemic issue, 1,200–3,500+ words).
• Reported personal essays or narrative nonfiction (first-person reporting grounded in experience).
• Opinion pieces and op-eds that connect reporting to policy or solutions.
• Audio and podcast projects, photo essays, and multimedia storytelling that illuminate lived experience. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Why this matters: when you pitch, choose the format that best shows the reporting you can realistically do (e.g., if you have a small audio clip and interviews, propose an audio feature; if you have strong reportage with documents and sources, propose a reported feature).

Practical tip: when in doubt, read their Submission Guidelines and Pitch Portal to see current priorities and open calls. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Section 3 · Researching EHRP’s work

How to study past pieces so your pitch fits

Before you pitch, do three focused reads of EHRP content: one narrative feature, one personal essay, and one co-published piece (their larger partners). Notice length, voice, sourcing, and how they tie personal stories to systems. Example co-publishes and recent features are linked on the homepage and newsroom. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

How to take notes:

• Write down the article’s main argument in one sentence.
• List the reporting methods used (interviews, FOIA/documents, data analysis).
• Note the structure (lede, nut graf, scenes, sources, conclusion).
• Collect the byline and outlet it was co-published with — that helps you understand editorial fit and reach. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Section 4 · Pitch & grant workflow

Step-by-step: from idea to submitted pitch

Use this workflow whether you are asking for a grant/commission or submitting a finished essay/op-ed. EHRP sometimes accepts completed pieces (op-eds/personal essays) via email and solicits commissioned work via their pitch portal. Always check the current page for exact instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Section 5 · Pitch templates & samples

Practical pitch language you can copy, tweak, and send

Subject: Pitch — [Short Hook] — [Your name]

Hi [Editor Name],

One-line hook:
A reported feature on how [group] in [city] are affected by [policy/event], revealing X and Y.

Summary:
I propose a [1,500–2,500]-word reported feature that focuses on [main claim]. I have already conducted initial interviews with [name, role] and secured documents from [agency/public record]. I plan to include first-person scenes, 3–5 interviews, and 2–3 supporting documents or datasets.

Why EHRP:
This fits EHRP’s focus on economic inequality and has potential for co-publishing / impact because [reason — local policy, new data, litigation, etc.].

Timeline & budget (if asking for funds):
Reporting — 6–8 weeks. Proposed budget: $X for reporting & transcription. I can deliver a first draft by [date].

Clips & bio:
[Link to 1–3 clips] — short bio: [1–2 sentences with beats & experience].

Thanks for considering this — happy to provide more detail.
Best,
[Your name] — [Email] — [Phone] — [Location]

Section 6 · Money, grants & co-publishing

How contributors typically get paid and what to expect

EHRP often funds reporting via grants or commissions and may co-publish the finished work with larger outlets. Payment levels vary widely depending on the project scope, budget availability, and whether the piece is an op-ed, a short essay, or a long reported feature. The safest approach is to include a modest, realistic budget in funding requests and to confirm payment terms before extensive reporting. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

If money is the main objective, be patient: nonprofit grant cycles and editorial decisions can take weeks. Always get written confirmation of grant amounts and payment schedules before incurring large expenses. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

Section 7 · Ethics & lived experience

How to write responsibly about hardship

Because EHRP focuses on real people in precarious situations, ethical reporting is essential. This includes careful consent practices, protecting vulnerable sources, avoiding exploitative framing, and verifying claims. If you are reporting on people who face legal or economic risk, plan for confidentiality and safety. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

Section 8 · Final checklist & SOP

Micro-SOP: final checks before you hit submit

Section 9 · FAQ and resources

Helpful links, common questions, and where to learn more