Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026: Up to $35,000 for Tech and AI Equity

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 research, this could fund your next big project.

Program Overview

The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship focuses on three main areas: CS/AI education, innovation, and governance. There is a strong push for topics around responsible AI and tech ethics. The goal is to use research to break down barriers in tech and create real solutions. Fellows can be journalists making long-form reports or researchers at policy institutes doing analysis that shapes decisions.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so you can apply anytime. The foundation plans to give out up to 15 grants this year. This funding helps people dive deep into complex problems without worrying about costs.

Benefits and Funding

Each grant provides $35,000 to cover your work. For journalists, this supports creating detailed investigative pieces for print, digital, or broadcast. Researchers get funds for studies, policy analysis, or evaluations that lead to published reports or briefs.

The money allows you to focus on high-impact work. Past efforts have highlighted systemic issues in tech, leading to better awareness and changes. This fellowship stands out because it targets specific inequities while backing both reporting and research.

Who Can Apply

You need to fit one of two groups to qualify:

• Journalists: Staff or freelance reporters and editors in the US with at least 5 years of investigative experience. This includes data journalism and watchdog work. Your pieces must appear in print, digital, or broadcast outlets.
• Researchers: Staff at research or policy institutes who publish on CS/AI education or tech policy. Your role should involve research, analysis, or evaluation.

All applicants must share a bio, CV or resume, project summary, and links to past published work. Journalists also need a letter from a media outlet promising to publish the story and assign an editor.

Priority Areas in Detail

Projects should align with the foundation’s focus:

• CS/AI Education: Explore how computer science and AI training can reduce gaps in access and skills.
• Innovation: Look at ways tech development can serve everyone fairly, not just a few.
• Governance: Study rules and policies for tech, especially around AI ethics and responsibility.

Emphasis goes to responsible AI, like preventing bias or misuse. Your work must inform policy and lead to published outputs, such as articles for journalists or reports for researchers.

How to Apply

Start by preparing your materials: personal bio, CV, project summary, work samples, and (for journalists) a commitment letter from an outlet. Submit everything through the online form.

The application link is here. For full details, check the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship page.

This fellowship gives you a chance to make a difference in tech equity with solid support.

Frequently Asked Questions