Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026: $35,000 for Tech Equity Projects
Are you a journalist or researcher passionate about fixing unfair practices in technology? The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 offers $35,000 to support your work. This program funds projects that tackle inequities in tech, like AI ethics and policy changes. It helps drive real change in areas such as computer science education and tech governance.
About the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship
The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship backs investigative journalists and tech policy researchers. These professionals focus on projects that reveal systemic inequities in technology. The goal is to build better understanding, guide policy, and create fair tech solutions.
Fellows get $35,000 to fund their research or reporting. Applications are open on a rolling basis. The first awards will come out by June 30, 2026.
Focus Areas
Projects must fit one or more of these key topics.
CS/AI Education
This area covers ways to widen access to computer science and AI learning. It looks at gaps in tech education paths. It also reviews policies for ethical AI teaching.
Innovation
Here, the focus is on safe AI and tech advances. Projects examine the upsides and downsides of AI funding. They support business setups that include everyone.
Governance
This topic strengthens rules for tech companies. It deals with bias in algorithms and data privacy. It protects groups often harmed by tech from those risks.
Funding and Benefits
Each fellow receives $35,000. The foundation plans to pick up to 15 fellows. Projects can cover the whole U.S. or specific spots like Oakland, Atlanta, or Detroit.
Fellows produce published reports or policy papers. This work helps shape laws and industry shifts.
Eligibility Criteria
For Investigative Reporting Fellows
You need to be a U.S.-based journalist, either on staff or freelance. Have at least 5 years in investigative work. Secure a promise from a media outlet to publish your story.
For Tech Policy Research Fellows
Be linked to a U.S. research or policy group, like a 501c3 nonprofit. Show experience in CS/AI education or tech policy.
Application Requirements
Submit these items:
- A bio up to 250 words.
- Your CV or resume.
- Two samples of your published work.
- A project proposal of 2 to 5 pages.
- A timeline for the project and how you will share it.
- A short summary of your research.
- Extra papers, like an editor’s letter for journalists.
Follow the formatting rules. Use the online portal to send everything.
Fellowship Expectations
Fellows must create strong, ready-to-publish reports or research. Send updates on progress and the final work. Credit the Kapor Foundation in your publications. Plan ways to spread your findings widely.
How to Apply
Get your documents ready and apply via the Kapor Foundation portal. There is no set deadline since it is rolling. First decisions arrive by June 30, 2026.
For details, visit Kapor Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship?
It offers $35,000 to U.S.-based journalists and researchers to fund projects that address inequities in technology, such as AI ethics, education, and governance.
What are the main focus areas for projects?
Projects should cover CS/AI education, innovation in safe AI, or governance issues like algorithm bias and data privacy.
Who is eligible to apply?
Investigative journalists need 5+ years of experience and a publication commitment; tech policy researchers must be affiliated with a U.S. nonprofit.
How can I apply for the fellowship?
Submit a bio, CV, work samples, 2-5 page project proposal, timeline, and summary via the online portal; applications are rolling with first awards by June 30, 2026.