Investigative Project on Race and Equity wins 2025 Next Challenge Vision Award

The Investigative Project on Race and Equity has been named the recipient of the 2025 Next Challenge Vision Award, recognizing its bold vision to reinvent media and journalism. The organization was selected as one of five startups from a competitive pool of more than 400 applicants.

The Next Challenge for Media & Journalism is the largest startup competition in the United States open to both nonprofit and for-profit media organizations, spotlighting innovative ideas and trailblazing approaches to the future of journalism.

“We’re honored by this recognition of our vision to modernize and democratize media and journalism,” said Angela Caputo, executive director of the Investigative Project on Race and Equity. “As the recipient of this award, we’re proud to stand among those reimagining what media can be — more inclusive, more accountable and more impactful.”

The Vision Award highlights organizations that are pushing the boundaries of traditional media models and developing new ways to serve communities through journalism. The Investigative Project’s work focuses on producing in-depth reporting on race and equity while also training journalists to pursue rigorous, accountability-driven stories.

The organization extends its gratitude to the partners and supporters who made this recognition possible, including the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Press Forward, Carlson Family Foundation, Whaley Family Foundation and American Public Media Group for their support of this year’s competition.

The Investigative Project on Race and Equity also thanks its broader community of supporters, partners and collaborators who have helped advance its mission in a short period of time. This recognition marks an important milestone as the organization continues to grow its newsroom and expand its impact.