Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026: Up to $35,000 for Tech and AI Projects
The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 offers up to $35,000 for journalists and researchers tackling key issues in tech and AI. This program supports work that uncovers inequities in the tech sector and pushes for better policies. If you have experience in investigative reporting or tech policy, this could fund your next big project.
Program Overview
The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 focuses on three main areas: CS/AI education, innovation, and governance. It puts extra weight on responsible AI and tech ethics. The goal is to back projects that expose problems and suggest real fixes in these fields.
Fellows can be journalists creating in-depth reports or researchers at policy institutes doing analysis. Applications are open on a rolling basis, so you can apply anytime. Up to 15 grants will go out this year.
Key Benefits
Each grant provides $35,000 to cover your research or reporting costs. This funding helps you dive deep without money worries. For journalists, it leads to published long-form articles in print or online.
Researchers get support for reports, briefs, or evaluations that shape tech policies. The foundation wants work that informs decisions on AI ethics and education. Past fellows have used this to highlight barriers in tech access.
Priority Areas
CS/AI Education
Projects here look at how computer science and AI are taught. They explore gaps in schools or training programs. Fellows might study why some groups miss out on these skills.
Innovation
This area covers new tech developments and their impacts. Research can check if innovations help or hurt equity. Focus on fair access to tools and opportunities.
Governance
Work in governance examines rules for tech companies and AI. It includes policy reviews on ethics and oversight. The emphasis is on making sure tech serves everyone.
Who Can Apply
Journalists need at least five years of investigative experience. This includes data or watchdog reporting for news outlets. You must work in the United States and get a commitment letter from a media outlet to publish your story.
Researchers should be at research or policy institutes. They need to publish on CS/AI education or tech policy. Staff positions qualify, and your output must include articles or reports.
Application Requirements
Submit a personal bio, CV or resume, project summary, and links to past work. Journalists add a letter from an editor promising to run the piece. Use the online form to apply.
Check the Kapor Foundation site for full details. Start gathering your materials now since it’s rolling. Strong examples of past work will make your pitch stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026?
It offers up to $35,000 grants for journalists and researchers to study inequities in tech and AI, focusing on education, innovation, and governance.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Journalists with at least five years of investigative experience in the US and researchers at policy institutes who publish on CS/AI or tech policy.
What are the key benefits of the fellowship?
Each grant provides $35,000 to cover research or reporting costs, helping create in-depth articles, reports, or policy briefs on tech ethics and equity.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Submit your bio, CV, project summary, past work links, and for journalists, an editor’s commitment letter using the online form on a rolling basis.