Investigate Midwest (previously The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting) is an independent, nonprofit newsroom. Our mission is to serve the public as a watchdog over influential agricultural corporations and institutions through in-depth and data-driven investigative journalism.
Our history and mission
Started in 2009 by journalist Mike Sherry, Investigate Midwest provides training and education for students, professional journalists and citizens to better understand agribusiness and its impact locally, regionally and globally. Investigate Midwest uses both traditional and innovative digital tools and techniques to analyze data about agribusiness and distribute the results.
Our partners and memberships
Investigate Midwest collaborates with journalism programs, nonprofit newsrooms, and independent media outlets. It is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News, LION Publishers, IRE, Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, North American Agricultural Journalists, and the Society of Professional Journalists.
How we’re funded
Donations are tax deductible because Investigate Midwest has federal 501(c)(3) status.
Investigate Midwest is generously supported by the Reva and David Logan Foundation, the Lumpkin Family Foundation, the Kirkpatrick Family Foundation, GRACE Communications, the Chicago Region Food Systems Fund, Illinois Food Movement Fund, and Builders Vision, and has also received support from: Inasmuch Foundation, Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, the Fund for Investigative Journalism, Reynolds Journalism Institute, David and Elizabeth Steinglass, the Gary Marx Journalism Fund, Scripps Howard Foundation, and Solutions Journalism Network.
Past support has come from Arnold Ventures in Houston and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation in Chicago.
The Trust Project
Investigate Midwest is a member of The Trust Project and supports efforts to increase transparency and trust in journalism. As part of this commitment, the newsroom displays specially designed Trust Indicators on its stories to help readers assess the credibility and reliability of the reporting. These indicators provide insight into journalistic standards, sources, and methods used in investigative reporting. For more information, visit TheTrustProject.org.
Republish our work
Unless otherwise noted, Investigate Midwest’s stories, original photos, and graphics are available for republication under specific conditions. Read more about that here.
