Sunlight Research Desk and MuckRock are joining forces to expand the tools, training and research support that help local newsrooms deliver high-impact reporting. Read more here.
Multiply your newsroom's investigative impact
Our research experts help newsrooms dig deeper to produce stories with impact.
Sunlight Research Desk's exclusive membership options give your team the resources they need.
Whether you’re backgrounding a source, tracking campaign money, or connecting the dots in public records — we’re the support system behind the byline.
Expert research support for local newsrooms.
Save time and uncover critical details for impactful stories.
We track down essential documents, analyze complex data sets and prepare detailed timelines and source lists to help your newsroom build the foundation for investigations.
Membership gives your newsroom exclusive access to the Sunlight Research Desk's expert services and a curated collection of MuckRock tools, including access to DocumentCloud AI tools and free public record requests.
Backgrounding
Document gathering
Data analysis
Timeline preparation
Source list compilation
Let’s find the right support for your newsroom’s investigative work.
Sunlight Research Desk offers three curated membership options to support a range of newsroom needs.
Essential
Ideal for small to medium local newsrooms with big goals.
Beta Member Pricing
50 hours of research team time for your projects
One investigative training session of your choice, delivered to your team on your schedule
Monthly workshops and investigative office hours
Real-time research support from Sunlight experts
Premium MuckRock account, including 50 free public records requests each month and credits for DocumentCloud AI tools
Investigative consult call with Sunlight researchers for real-time collaboration
Nonprofit pricing: $4,000 annually
Regular pricing: $8,000 annually
Clicking above will take you to the MuckRock site to finish your purchase.
Enhanced
Ideal for medium to large teams tackling ambitious projects.
Beta Member Pricing
100 hours of research team time for your projects
One investigative training session of your choice, delivered to your team on your schedule
Monthly workshops and investigative office hours
Real-time research support from Sunlight experts
Premium MuckRock account, including 50 free public records requests each month and credits for DocumentCloud AI tools
Two investigative consult calls with Sunlight researchers for real-time collaboration
Nonprofit pricing: $8,000 annually
Regular pricing: $16,000 annually
Clicking above will take you to the MuckRock site to finish your purchase.
Enterprise
Ideal for large newsrooms, collaboratives, complex, long-term project assistance, tailored investigative training needs.
Beta Member Pricing
Our Sunlight research experts will work with your organization to develop a plan that best supports your investigative and accountability reporting goals.
Clicking above will allow you to schedule an introductory call.
Understanding project scope
Research support is grouped by project scope and typical use of research hours.
These categories are designed to support planning and transparency while keeping requests flexible. The examples below show how different types of projects generally align with scope and estimated time. We'll work with you to scope your request to fit your goals.
Small project
20 - 25 research hours
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Single-subject backgrounding on a public figure (i.e. candidate, lawmaker, corporate CEO, political donor)
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Assessment of the availability of datasets and where to find information
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Source list compilation
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Basic analysis of one individual or entity's social media presence
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Basic campaign finance data compilation and analysis on one candidate or political committee
Previous small projects
Medium project
40 - 50 research hours
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Basic backgrounding of a single individual who is not a public figure
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Basic backgrounding of up to three public figures (i.e. candidates, lawmakers, political donors)
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Compilation of relevant public records related to one individual or entity (e.g. property records, incorporation records)
Previous medium projects
Large project
50+ research hours
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Basic backgrounding on four or more public figures (i.e. candidate, lawmaker, corporate CEO, political donor)
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In-depth backgrounding of an individual, along with compilation of relevant public records (e.g. property records, incorporation records)
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In-depth backgrounding of a single entity, such as nonprofit, business or political committee, along with compilation of relevant public records
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Investigation into a network of entities, such as businesses, nonprofits or political groups
Previous large projects
We’re here to help your team find the right fit.
Sunlight Research Desk supports high-impact investigative journalism by helping newsrooms find the right support to serve their communities.
Our team is here to answer your questions, explore options, and talk through what support makes the most sense for your newsroom.
Complete the form or reach out directly to start the conversation.
