The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 offers a chance for journalists and researchers to tackle big issues in tech. This program provides up to $35,000 in funding for projects that look at inequities in the tech sector. With applications open on a rolling basis, it’s a key opportunity to support work on responsible AI and tech ethics.
Program Overview
The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 focuses on three main areas: CS/AI education, innovation, and governance. It backs long-form investigative reports by journalists and policy research by experts. The goal is to uncover barriers in tech and suggest real fixes. Up to 15 grants will go to strong projects that inform better policies.
Fellows explore how tech affects people unfairly. For example, they might study AI biases in education or rules for tech companies. This work helps build a fairer tech world.
Benefits and Funding
Each grant awards $35,000 to support the project. Journalists can create detailed stories for print, digital, or broadcast. Researchers produce reports, analyses, or evaluations that shape policy.
The funding covers time and resources for deep work. It targets U.S.-based journalists with strong experience and researchers at policy institutes. This setup lets winners focus on quality output without money worries.
Who Can Apply
Journalists need at least five years of investigative reporting experience. This includes data journalism and watchdog work for U.S. publications. Freelancers and staff qualify, as do editors and reporters.
Researchers must work at research or policy institutes. They should publish on CS/AI education or tech policy. Both groups need to plan published results, like articles or reports.
Focus Areas
Projects fit one of these priorities, with extra weight on responsible AI and tech ethics:
- CS/AI Education: Examines how computer science and AI teaching can reduce gaps.
- Innovation: Looks at new tech ideas that promote fairness.
- Governance: Studies rules and oversight for ethical tech use.
These topics aim to fix systemic problems in tech.
Application Process
Submit a personal bio, CV or resume, project summary, and links to past work. Journalists must include a letter from a media outlet promising to publish the story and assign an editor.
Applications go through an online form. Check the Kapor Foundation site for details. Use this application link to start.
Deadlines run on a rolling basis, so apply soon to stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026?
It offers up to $35,000 for journalists and researchers to study inequities in tech, focusing on CS/AI education, innovation, and governance. Applications are open on a rolling basis.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
U.S.-based journalists with at least five years of investigative experience and researchers at policy institutes who publish on tech topics qualify. Both must plan to publish their work.
What are the main focus areas?
Projects cover CS/AI education to reduce gaps, innovation for fairness, and governance for ethical tech use, with emphasis on responsible AI and tech ethics.
How do I apply?
Submit a bio, CV, project summary, past work links, and for journalists, a publication commitment letter via the online form on the Kapor Foundation site. Deadlines are rolling, so apply soon.
Conversation
0 Comments