The Tarbell AI Reporting Grants (up to$20,000)
The Tarbell AI Reporting Grants: Up to $20,000 for Investigative Journalism on Artificial Intelligence
Journalists interested in investigating the growing influence of artificial intelligence can now apply for the AI Reporting Grants offered by the Tarbell Center for AI Journalism. The program provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to support original reporting that examines how AI technologies are developed, deployed, and regulated.
As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes global politics, labor markets, and public policy, independent journalism plays a crucial role in helping the public understand the implications of these powerful systems. The Tarbell grants aim to support rigorous reporting that demystifies technical developments, scrutinizes influential AI companies, and documents real-world impacts.
Overview of the Tarbell AI Reporting Grants
The grant program funds original journalism projects that investigate artificial intelligence and its societal effects. The grant primarily focuses on written journalism. However, the program may also support other formats such as podcasts, newsletters, or short documentaries, provided they meet journalistic standards.
Importantly, editorial independence is guaranteed. Grant recipients maintain complete autonomy over their reporting, and donors do not influence editorial decisions.
An independent panel of experienced journalists evaluates applications, including:
- Casey Newton, founder of Platformer and co-host of the Hard Fork podcast
- Timothy B. Lee, editor of Understanding AI
- Shakeel Hashim, AI policy journalist and editor of Transformer
- Sharon Weinberger, national security and foreign policy editor at The Wall Street Journal
- Scott Rosenberg, former managing editor of technology at Axios
Focus Areas
For the current round, the Tarbell Center is seeking proposals across six major AI reporting beats.
Accountability Reporting on Frontier AI Companies
Investigate companies building the most powerful AI systems, such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, xAI, and Meta. Stories may examine corporate transparency, safety practices, or internal decision-making.
AI Policy and Politics
Explore the political forces shaping AI regulation. Reporting may focus on lobbying efforts, government policies, or international negotiations surrounding artificial intelligence.
AI Explainers and Analysis
This category encourages in-depth reporting that clarifies complex technical developments, synthesizes research, and explains the broader trajectory of AI technologies.
AI in Government and Militaries
Investigate how governments and military institutions deploy AI technologies, including their implications for surveillance, warfare, and public administration.
AI Labor Impacts
Examine how AI tools affect employment and labor markets. Stories may include worker experiences, industry adoption trends, and measurable impacts on productivity.
AI Developments in China
China plays a major role in global AI development. This category supports reporting on Chinese AI companies, policies, deployments, and research ecosystems.
Eligibility Requirements
The AI Reporting Grants are open to:
- Experienced journalists and media creators
- Freelancers and staff reporters
- Individuals with a track record of published journalism
Applicants do not need to specialize in AI or technology reporting, although relevant experience can strengthen an application.
While a publication outlet isn’t required for the application, successful applicants may need to obtain a letter of interest from an editor before receiving funding.
What the Tarbell AI Reporting Grant Covers
Grant funds may be used to support various reporting costs, including:
- Journalist time and labor
- Travel and field reporting
- Data purchases
- API usage
- Other expenses necessary to complete the story
Teams of journalists may also apply together.
Applicants may submit up to three pitches.
How Applications Are Evaluated
The selection panel evaluates applications based on several criteria:
Potential Impact
Stories should help the public better understand the risks, opportunities, and societal implications of AI.
Reach
Projects are more competitive if they are likely to be published by established outlets with large audiences.
Journalistic Experience
Applicants should demonstrate prior reporting experience similar to the proposed project.
Feasibility
Strong proposals include realistic budgets and clear reporting plans.
Example Story Directions
The Tarbell Center suggests several potential reporting angles, including:
- Investigating how AI companies test models for safety
- Examining public perceptions of AI capabilities versus technical reality
- Reporting on AI’s impact on specific professions
- Exploring AI adoption within governments and militaries
- Analyzing the environmental footprint of AI systems
These ideas are only suggestions—journalists are encouraged to propose original investigations.
Deadline
Applications for the current grant round close on:
March 8, 2026
Apply here
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