As artificial intelligence grows more advanced, the technology and the people making it are increasingly consequential and they believe journalism will play a crucial role in helping the public understand AI — and in holding companies and policymakers to account.

Tarbell  seek to fund established journalists to pursue original reporting on current & future harms from frontier models, investigate the inner workings of leading AI companies, and scrutinize lobbying efforts shaping AI policy. They are also excited to support explanatory reporting that helps the public understand complicated topics in AI

ELIGIBILITY:

They welcome applications from anywhere in the world, as long as the individuals qualify based on legal restrictions and compliance measures.

Experienced journalists. We expect most successful applicants to have a strong background in journalism, ideally in AI or technology reporting. Journalists with an investigative background are particularly encouraged to apply. We accept applications from both freelance and staff reporters.​​

Neglected stories. We are keen to fund stories and investigations that will not otherwise be published.

Readership. We hope grantees’ stories will be read widely, and by people with decision-making power. We encourage applicants to apply with a letter showing interest from an editor at an established publication.

Impact. We care about stories that make a difference. We hope the stories we fund will lead to meaningful change in the world, whether that be raising awareness of an underdiscussed harm, or catalyzing policy change.

Please do not rule yourself out because of these criteria, though. If you have a strong story idea and believe you have what it takes to write it, please pitch us.

Please apply via our application form, which asks for basic information about you and your story.​​

Submissions will be accepted from all experienced journalists: both staff writers/editors and freelancers are welcome to apply for grants. (For staff writers, your publication must be able to accept donations.)

A background in reporting on AI and/or technology is desirable, but not essential.

BENEFIT:

Tarbell Grants offer awards of $1,000 – $15,000 to support journalism on AI and its impacts.