Are you a journalist interested in exploring the impacts of artificial intelligence on society, policy, and the future of work? The Tarbell Center is offering reporting grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 to support original journalism on AI and its consequences.
These grants are open to staff and freelance journalists worldwide, with a focus on impactful, investigative, and forward-looking stories. While written journalism is the primary focus, exceptional proposals in other formats, such as podcasts, documentaries, and newsletters, will also be considered.
The program supports reporting across five key areas: frontier AI companies, national and international policymaking, government and military integration, AI capabilities and safeguards, and the future of work and society in an age of advanced AI. Selected projects should aim to reach broad and influential audiences, shaping public understanding and policy debates around this fast-moving technology.
Brief Details About Tarbell Reporting Grants for Journalists in AI and Society 2025 :
- Application Deadline: September 14, 2025
- Result Announcement Dates: Within 4 weeks after the deadline
- Funding Type: Reporting Grant
- Organizer: Tarbell
- Eligible Countries: Worldwide
- Eligible Gender: Male/Female
- Target Group: Journalists
- Focus Areas: Artificial Intelligence & Society
- Number of Opportunities: 25 projects funded
- Program Language: English
- Host Country: Remote
Focus Areas
This round’s grant’s focus areas are as follows:
- Investigations into frontier AI companies: Accountability reporting on major players such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta, and others.
- National and international AI policymaking: Revealing how laws, lobbying, and diplomacy shape AI’s governance.
- Integration of AI in governments and militaries: Analyzing the adoption of AI in defense, intelligence, and public institutions.
- AI capabilities, safeguards, and evaluations: Examining technical benchmarks, safety testing, and the evolving ecosystem of AI evaluation.
- Future of work and society in an age of advanced AI: Exploring societal, economic, and cultural impacts of AI advancements.
Grant Details
The grant highlights are as follows:
- Funding Support: Grants of $1,000 to $15,000, depending on project scope.
- Coverage: Can be used for reporting costs (labor, travel, data purchases, technical tools).
Eligibility Criteria
Who are grants for?
- The application is open to all nationalities and countries worldwide.
- Open to experienced journalists and media creators (staff or freelance).
- Investigative journalists are especially encouraged to apply.
- Background in AI/technology reporting is desirable but not required.
- Applicants do not need a confirmed outlet before applying.
- A letter of interest from an editor is required before funding is released.
- Publications or platforms must be able to accept grant-funded stories.
Selection Criteria
A judging panel of experienced journalists reviews applications. Selection is based on:
- Impact potential – the story’s ability to shape public discourse or policy.
- Reach – likelihood of publication in established, influential outlets.
- Journalistic track record – demonstrated ability to deliver impactful reporting.
- Feasibility – realistic pitch and budget plan.
Results are typically communicated within four weeks of the application deadline.
How to Apply?
- Application is entirely online using the Apply Now tab below.
- Apply before September 14, 2025, via Tarbell’s official grant application portal.
- For queries, contact: michel@tarbellfellowship.org.
