Deadline: August 11, 2025
Pulitzer Center AI Accountability Fellowships 2025–2026 are now open for applications, offering a powerful opportunity for journalists worldwide to secure up to $20,000 in funding. This prestigious 10-month program supports deep, investigative reporting on the societal impacts, governance, and accountability of artificial intelligence systems globally.
If you’re a journalist passionate about uncovering how AI intersects with power, labor, transparency, or surveillance, this could be your chance to gain international recognition, editorial support, and funding to drive impactful journalism.
About the Pulitzer Center AI Accountability Fellowships 2025–2026
Now in its fourth year, the Pulitzer Center AI Accountability Fellowships aim to support cutting-edge, investigative journalism that explores the global implications of AI technologies. This includes how AI systems are built, funded, deployed, and the often overlooked consequences they have on human lives and societal structures.
With a focus on transparency and governance, especially in cross-border contexts, this fellowship is a response to growing concerns around AI’s opaque decision-making, ethical questions, and regulatory blind spots.
The Pulitzer Center AI Accountability Fellowships 2025–2026 appear in the Center’s broader effort to equip journalists with the tools and community they need to tackle some of the most urgent technology issues of our time.
Fellowship Benefits
- Grant funding up to $20,000 USD per fellow
- 10-month mentorship and training (Sept 2025 – July 2026)
- Monthly cohort calls (1.5–2 hours each)
- Access to legal, editorial, and data resources
- Membership in a global network of AI accountability journalists
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to journalists worldwide, including:
- Freelancers or staff journalists
- Reporters across print, broadcast, multimedia, and data journalism
- Journalists from underrepresented communities or the Global South are especially encouraged to apply
The Pulitzer Center is looking for investigative journalists working on complex AI-related stories—especially those involving:
- Government or corporate use of AI
- Labor and human rights implications
- Surveillance technologies
- Regulatory oversight or lack thereof
- Transparency in AI supply chains and funding flows
Application Requirements
To be considered, applicants must submit the following:
- 500-word personal statement on why this fellowship aligns with their career
- 500-word investigative pitch that is specific, well-researched, and feasible
- Budget breakdown (up to $20,000) detailing use of funds
- Three journalism samples published in the past 3 years
- Letter of commitment from an editor/media outlet
- Three professional references
- Current resume/CV
How to Apply
🗣️ Expert Tip from Grant Database
“Successful applications are those that demonstrate deep pre-research, a clear investigative angle, and a well-scoped story arc. Don’t pitch vague themes—build your proposal around a real accountability question, supported by credible sources and potential data. Also, transparency is key: if you plan to use funds for FOI requests, travel, or data acquisition, be explicit.”
— Grant Database Editorial Team
✍️ Need Help with Your Proposal?
Don’t let a great story idea fall short because of an underdeveloped proposal. If you need help drafting, refining, or reviewing your application for the Pulitzer Center AI Accountability Fellowships 2025–2026:
📩 Contact GrantsDatabase.org for professional proposal support and review.
