The Omidyar Network has announced the launch of its Tech Journalism Fund, a new initiative designed to support in-depth reporting projects that explore how technology is shaping society. The fund offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to help journalists pursue stories that require significant time, research, and resources.
About the Tech Journalism Fund
The Omidyar Network’s Tech Journalism Fund aims to strengthen journalism that investigates the social, political, and economic implications of technology—especially artificial intelligence (AI). The fund will provide direct financial support to journalists who are producing impactful, editorially independent reporting.
The program welcomes proposals on any topic related to technology and society but will give priority consideration to projects in the following four key areas:
- Legislation and policy proposals related to regulating AI and the broader tech sector
- Investigative reporting on the companies, organizations, people, and ideas shaping AI and the technology industries
- The social impact of AI on children, youth, and families
- Work and technology, including how workers, unions, and employers are adapting to AI and digital transformation in the workplace
Who Can Apply
The Tech Journalism Fund is open to:
- Freelancers, staff reporters, editors, and teams of journalists working across any medium (print, digital, audio, or visual)
- S.-based journalists from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and career stages
- At this time, the fund is only available to journalists based in the United States.
Funding Coverage
Grants from the Tech Journalism Fund can cover a range of costs associated with long-form and investigative journalism, including:
- Travel and field reporting expenses
- Research and fact-checking support
- Multimedia production or enhancement
- Access to data sources (e.g., LexisNexis searches, government records)
- Reporting stipends for time spent on the project
All applicants must include a detailed budget outlining how funds will be used to support their proposed project.
Application Process
Applications for the Tech Journalism Fund are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing journalists to apply when their project is ready for development. Each application will be reviewed carefully, and decisions will be communicated within 30 days of submission.
Funded projects will remain editorially independent, with journalists retaining full control over their reporting. Published stories supported by the fund will also be featured on Omidyar Network’s official platforms.
Benefits of the Tech Journalism Fund
- Access to up to $25,000 in funding for one in-depth reporting project
- Freedom to pursue complex, resource-intensive investigations
- Support for diverse journalistic voices and storytelling mediums
- Quick turnaround with funding decisions made within 30 days
- Focus on stories that explore AI, technology, and social impact
How to Apply
Interested journalists should prepare a project proposal outlining:
- The topic and scope of their reporting project
- Estimated timeline and deliverables
- A detailed budget of costs
- Relevance to the fund’s core themes
Why This Fund Matters
The Tech Journalism Fund underscores Omidyar Network’s ongoing commitment to supporting independent media and public interest journalism. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, this initiative provides crucial resources for journalists to investigate how AI and digital innovation are transforming policy, society, and everyday life.
Funding Amount: $5,000 – $25,000
Eligibility: U.S.-based journalists (freelancers, staff reporters, or teams)
Focus Areas: AI policy, tech regulation, social impact, labor and technology
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Decision Time: Within 30 days of submission
