Pulitzer Center Global Reporting Grants | How to Apply
Apply for the Pulitzer Center’s Global Reporting Grants
The Pulitzer Center offers global reporting grants to support the hard costs of ambitious journalism projects. These grants are open to journalists worldwide—writers, photographers, radio producers, and filmmakers, whether freelance or on staff. The Center backs both seasoned professionals and early-career reporters, with a strong commitment to diversity of voice, background, and perspective.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with responses typically issued within a month. The Pulitzer Center prioritizes timely, underreported global stories that explore systemic crises and dig beneath the surface to expose root causes and unexpected solutions.
What Pulitzer Global Reporting Grants Support
The Pulitzer Center funds reporting on global systemic issues—not just headline-driven events. A systemic crisis could be a civil war, but also includes persistent problems like lack of clean water, destruction of rainforests, or gender-based violence. The Center seeks surprising, original story ideas that reshape public understanding of global issues.
The organization encourages cross-platform, multimedia approaches that help reach broad and diverse audiences. Proposals that involve collaboration—between writers and photographers, newsrooms, or across platforms—are highly encouraged.
Who Can Apply?
Journalists at any career stage may apply, including:
- Freelancers and staff journalists
- Print, broadcast, and multimedia reporters
- Emerging reporters with a strong idea and samples
- Transnational teams working across regions or formats
The Pulitzer Center values dedication to storytelling, not just experience. In fact, many grantees received support after multiple attempts, showing persistence matters. Writers can explore five effective ways to increase productivity to help stay focused on the application process.
What the Pulitzer Center Requires in an Application
Applicants must submit:
- A 250-word project summary (the most important part)
- A detailed distribution plan, including letters of interest or commitment from media outlets
- A preliminary budget, limited to hard reporting costs (not salaries or stipends)
- Three samples of published work
- Three professional references (contact details or recommendation letters)
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
Optional: a longer project description may be included as a supplemental document.
Distribution Plan Is Key
Applicants must demonstrate how they will maximize audience reach. Staff journalists should confirm publication with their outlet and consider extending their work across media (e.g., print plus radio). Freelancers should secure editorial interest from multiple outlets, even if not formal assignments. A strong distribution plan significantly strengthens a proposal.
Safety and Ethics
For projects in hostile environments, applicants must comply with ACOS Alliance safety principles. Freelancers reporting in conflict zones must have firm editorial backing and should complete hostile environment training, which the Pulitzer Center may fund.
Budget Guidelines
Grants cover direct reporting expenses only, including:
- Travel (economy class)
- Lodging, meals, local transport
- Translation, local partners, data visualization
- Records requests
The Center will not fund staff salaries, equipment purchases, start-ups, or advocacy campaigns. Budget proposals should be lean, realistic, and reflect ethical sourcing of local collaborators.
What the Pulitzer Center Does Not Fund
The following are not eligible:
- Books (unless the story appears independently in media)
- Feature-length films (short docs with strong plans may qualify)
- Equipment purchases
- Marketing or advocacy work
- Breaking news coverage
- Academic-only data projects
Tips for a Strong Application
- Own your idea—focus on a story you’re passionate about.
- Dig deep—address underlying causes, not just symptoms.
- Surprise readers—pitch something new, challenging, or enlightening.
- Think big—present a project, not a single story.
- Do your homework—review Pulitzer’s current projects and identify how yours fills a gap.
Deadline: Rolling
Apply Now: Pulitzer Center Global Reporting Grants
Questions? Email: reacheditorial@pulitzercenter.org
