Since its founding in 1970, the Institute's media and research programs have been honored with some of the nation's most prestigious awards, including two George Polk Awards and a National Magazine Award. The following is a list of awards won by the Institute and its staff over the years:
- Alternative Press Award – Regional Reporting, 1989
- Alternative Press Award – Finalist, General Excellence, 1989
- Alternative Press Award – Finalist, Investigative Reporting, 1995 and 1996
- Defenders of Justice Award – Policy Research and Advocacy, 2003
- Eugene V. Debs Foundation – Bryan and Spann Memorial Prize, 1986
- George Polk Award – Magazine Reporting, 2003
- George Polk Award – Regional Reporting, 1979
- Harry Chapin Media Award – Judge's Award, 2003
- Independent Press Award – Finalist, Regional/Local Coverage, 2003
- Investigative Reporters and Editors Award – Public Interest Reporting, 1991
- John Hancock Award – Excellence in Business and Financial Journalism, 1994
- League of Conservation Voters – Catalyst Award, 2013
- National Magazine Award – Public Interest Reporting, 1990
- National Magazine Award – Finalist, Public Interest Reporting, 1994
- National Press Club – Honorable Mention, Consumer Award, 2004
- North Carolina Press Association – Second Place, Investigative Reporting, 2011
- Project Censored Award – Covering Underreported Stories, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1998
- Sidney Hillman Foundation Award – Courageous Reporting on Racial Injustice, 1991, 1993
- Society of Professional Journalists – Second Place, Green Eyeshade Award, 2003
- White House Correspondents’ Association – Honorable Mention, Edgar A. Poe Award, 2003