Special Call for Climate and Labor Journalism Grants 2026: Funding Up to $15,000 for Global Reporting

Pulitzer Center has officially launched a Special Call for Journalism Proposals focused on the intersection of climate change and labor. Journalists, editors, freelancers, and media organizations worldwide are invited to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to support ambitious reporting projects.

This global opportunity aims to support transformative journalism that investigates how the climate crisis is reshaping labor systems, economies, and vulnerable communities across the world particularly in the Global South.

Why Climate and Labor Reporting Matters in 2026

The climate crisis is no longer a future threat—it is actively transforming industries, employment patterns, and workers’ rights globally. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, and transitions to clean energy are creating urgent labor challenges.

From agricultural workers losing livelihoods to factory employees exposed to extreme heat, climate change is affecting workers unequally. Women and marginalized groups often face disproportionate risks, lower wages, and limited protections.

The Pulitzer Center is seeking bold journalism that:

• Holds businesses and policymakers accountable

• Elevates worker voices and vulnerable communities

• Explores adaptation and resilience strategies

• Inspires action through impactful storytelling

Key Focus Areas for Proposals

1. Business Accountability and Supply Chains

Investigations into trade flows, global supply chains, and how companies are adapting—or failing to adapt—to climate realities. Proposals should examine decision-makers and corporate responsibility in climate transitions.

2. Gender and Climate Justice

Women are among the most climate-vulnerable workers globally. Reporting may explore wage disparities, unsafe conditions, unorganized labor sectors, and gender discrimination intensified by climate change.

3. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience

Stories highlighting local solutions, Indigenous knowledge, and grassroots resilience. Proposals that amplify community voices and showcase practical adaptation strategies are strongly encouraged.

What Makes a Strong Application?

The Pulitzer Center is looking for transformative, public-interest journalism. Competitive proposals should clearly address:

• Why the issue matters to the public

• How worker and community voices are centered

• Who is being held accountable

• The expected impact of the reporting

• Audience engagement and distribution strategy

Applicants must demonstrate commitment from credible news outlets (print, online, broadcast, radio, podcasts, visual storytelling, or multimedia).

Reports are expected to be published by September 2026 or earlier.

Funding Details

• Grant Range: USD $5,000 – $15,000

• Funding covers:

  • Travel and field reporting expenses

  • Lodging and meals

  • Local journalist partners or translators

  • Data analysis and visualization support

Note: Stipends for applicants themselves are not covered.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• Project description (maximum 250 words)

• Detailed reporting and publication plan

• Letter(s) of interest or commitment from editors/news outlets

• Preliminary budget breakdown

• Three recent work samples

• Two professional references

• Curriculum Vitae

Applications may be submitted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Bahasa Indonesia.

Why Apply?

This is a high-impact opportunity to:

• Secure international recognition

• Receive funding from a globally respected journalism institution

• Produce investigative reporting with real-world influence

• Amplify underreported climate and labor stories

• Strengthen collaborations with reputable media outlets

The Pulitzer Center especially welcomes proposals from journalists in the Global South, though applicants of any nationality are eligible.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: March 6, 2026

Notification Date: March 30, 2026

For more information click here

Apply here 

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