Pulitzer Center AI Accountability Fellowship 2025–2026: Up to $20,000 Grant for Investigative Journalists: (Deadline 11 August, 2025)

Introduction / Background:

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries and societies, critical journalism has never been more vital. The Pulitzer Center is now accepting applications for its fourth cohort of AI Accountability Fellowships, an initiative supporting deep investigative reporting into the growing influence—and consequences—of AI systems. With rapid adoption and limited oversight, AI impacts everything from public policy to personal privacy. This fellowship is designed to empower journalists to uncover and report on the real-world implications of these technologies.

What the Fellowship Offers:

The Pulitzer Center will select 8–10 journalists from around the world to join the 2025–2026 cohort. Each fellow will receive up to $20,000 in financial support to pursue an in-depth reporting project examining AI and algorithmic systems.

Support includes:

• Grant of up to $20,000 for project costs (stipends, travel, data analysis, records requests, etc.)

• Mentorship and editorial guidance from global experts

• Access to monthly virtual training sessions

• Inclusion in a peer community of AI reporters

• Optional collaborative and community engagement opportunities

Who Should Apply:

This opportunity is open to journalists from all countries. The Pulitzer Center especially encourages applications from:

• Journalists based in the Global South

• Reporters from communities underrepresented in the media

• Freelancers or newsroom-affiliated journalists

• Investigative, data, and multimedia journalists

• Reporters with a demonstrated interest in AI systems, accountability, governance, or human rights

What the Pulitzer Center is Looking For:

Successful applications should propose an original reporting project focused on the real-world impact of AI, algorithmic systems, and automation. Priority will be given to investigations that address:

• Transparency and governance of AI

• The AI supply chain, including cross-border financial flows

• Policy, business practices, and opaque decision-making in AI development

• Social, legal, or environmental harms caused by algorithmic systems

Projects can use any journalistic method—data analysis, public records, FOI requests, field reporting—and should explore how AI systems affect policy, people, or communities.

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply, you must:

• Be a professional journalist (freelance or newsroom-affiliated)

• Submit an investigative proposal on AI systems

• Commit to participating in:

  • Monthly 1.5–2-hour virtual meetings

  • One community call during the fellowship

  • A virtual platform to engage with peers

  • Optional training sessions (strongly encouraged)

Timeline:

• Deadline to Apply: August 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT

• Fellowship Start Date: September 2025

• Fellowship Duration: 10 months

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted through the Pulitzer Center’s platform on Submittable. You will be required to include:

• A project proposal outlining your reporting idea

• Budget breakdown for how the funds will be used

• CV or résumé

• Work samples

• Optional: findings from any pre-reporting

Conclusion:

The Pulitzer Center AI Accountability Fellowship provides an essential opportunity for journalists to interrogate the hidden workings and real-life impacts of AI. With generous funding and a supportive global community, fellows will contribute to a growing body of journalism that informs, exposes, and holds power to account. If you are a journalist passionate about the future of technology and justice, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Deadline to Apply: August 11, 2025

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