Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026: $35K for Tech Equity Projects
The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 offers $35,000 in funding to journalists and tech policy researchers. This program supports projects that tackle inequities in technology, such as AI ethics and inclusive innovation. If you work in investigative reporting or tech policy, this could help you create work that shapes better tech practices.
About the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship
The Kapor Foundation runs this fellowship to back journalists and researchers. Their goal is to highlight problems in the tech world and push for fair solutions. Fellows get money to focus on their projects without other worries.
Applications are open on a rolling basis. The first awards will come out by June 30, 2026. Up to 15 people will receive support each year.
Key Focus Areas
Projects must fit into one or more of these main topics.
CS/AI Education
This area looks at ways to give more people access to computer science and AI classes. It covers gaps in learning paths for tech skills. Fellows can study policies that make AI education fair and safe.
Innovation
Here, the focus is on tech that benefits everyone, like responsible AI tools. Researchers examine the upsides and downsides of AI funding. The program also supports startups and businesses that include people from all backgrounds.
Governance
This topic deals with rules for tech companies. It includes fights against bias in algorithms and better data privacy. Projects protect groups that often face harm from new tech.
Funding and Benefits
Each fellow gets $35,000 to fund their work. Projects can cover the whole U.S. or focus on places like Oakland, Atlanta, or Detroit. The end result should be reports or research that gets published and affects policy.
This support lets winners dig deep into big issues. Their findings can lead to real changes in how tech works for everyone.
Who Can Apply
Investigative Reporting Fellows
You need to be a U.S.-based journalist with at least five years of experience in deep reporting. Staff or freelance both work. You must have a promise from a media outlet to publish your story.
Tech Policy Research Fellows
Researchers must work with U.S.-based nonprofits or policy groups that are 501(c)(3) organizations. Past work in CS/AI education or tech policy is required.
What to Submit in Your Application
Prepare these items:
- A short bio, up to 250 words.
- Your CV or resume.
- Two samples of your past published work.
- A project proposal, 2 to 5 pages long.
- A timeline for your project and how you will share it.
- A short summary of your research.
- Extra papers, like a letter from an editor if you are a journalist.
Submit everything through the online portal. Follow their rules for how to format files.
What Fellows Must Do
Once picked, you agree to finish strong research or reports that can be published. Send updates on your progress and the final product. Credit the Kapor Foundation in your work. Plan ways to spread your findings far and wide for the most impact.
How to Get Started
Visit the Kapor Foundation’s research fellowship page for full details. Apply now through their official form. Act fast since awards start rolling out soon. This is a chance to fund work that makes tech fairer for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship?
It provides $35,000 to U.S.-based journalists and tech policy researchers for projects addressing tech inequities like AI ethics and inclusive innovation.
What are the key focus areas for projects?
Projects can cover CS/AI Education, Innovation for everyone, and Governance to fight bias and improve privacy.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Investigative journalists need five years of experience and a publication commitment; researchers must work with U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
How do I apply and what do I need to submit?
Submit a bio, CV, work samples, 2-5 page proposal, timeline, and summary via the online portal at the Kapor Foundation website.