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Tarbell Grants is offering financial awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 to support original journalism focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and its wide-ranging impacts. As AI technology continues to evolve, the need for robust journalism to inform the public and hold influential entities accountable has never been greater.
About the Grants
The Tarbell Grants program is dedicated to empowering experienced journalists to investigate critical issues surrounding AI. These grants aim to uncover current and potential harms from advanced AI models, explore the operations of leading AI companies, and scrutinize policy and lobbying efforts shaping AI regulation. The initiative also seeks to fund explanatory journalism that demystifies complex AI concepts for the public.
Topics of Interest
The grants focus on several key areas, though innovative pitches beyond these topics are welcome:
- Harms from AI: Investigations into the real-world impacts of AI, including cybersecurity, deepfake content, racial bias, and biosecurity concerns.
- Frontier AI Companies: In-depth reporting on major AI players such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and Meta, including workplace practices and potential controversies.
- AI Policy: Stories on regulatory developments and lobbying efforts in regions like the US, EU, and China. Examples include the challenges faced by regulatory agencies and efforts to influence AI governance.
- Explainers: Articles that clarify complex AI topics, such as interpretability challenges or evaluation methodologies.
Who Should Apply
The program is open to experienced journalists, including both freelancers and staff reporters, with a preference for those with backgrounds in AI, technology, or investigative reporting. Applicants should have compelling story ideas with potential for significant impact, whether by raising awareness of underreported issues or influencing policy decisions.
Journalists are encouraged to submit pitches with a letter of interest from an editor at a recognized publication to ensure their work reaches a broad and influential audience. Submissions without such letters may still be considered for publication on Transformer or pitched to other platforms with the program’s assistance.
Application Process
To apply, journalists must complete the online application form and provide basic information about themselves and their story proposal. Applications for the first round of funding are due by December 20, 2024, though submissions will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Proposals received early will have a higher chance of securing funding, as the pool for this round is limited.
Key details include:
- Grants will be evaluated within one month, with expedited reviews available for time-sensitive stories.
- Applications are open to all experienced journalists, regardless of staff or freelance status. Staff writers must apply with support from a publication capable of accepting donations.
- A background in AI or technology reporting is preferred but not mandatory.
Contact and Support
The first round of Tarbell Grants is generously supported by the Future of Life Institute, which plays no role in the selection process. Journalists with questions about the program or application process can reach out to Shakeel Mohammed at [email protected].
For more information, to donate, or to support future rounds of grants, visit Tarbell Fellowship.
Empowering journalism to illuminate the impacts of AI and foster accountability in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
