Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026: $35,000 Funding for Journalists & Tech Policy Researchers Driving Equity in Tech

The Kapor Foundation has officially opened applications for its highly impactful Research Fellowship, offering substantial funding to journalists and researchers committed to uncovering inequities and shaping the future of responsible technology. This opportunity is designed for professionals whose work drives meaningful change in areas like AI ethics, tech policy, and inclusive innovation.

About the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship

The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship supports investigative journalists and tech policy researchers working on projects that address systemic inequities in the technology ecosystem. Through this initiative, the foundation aims to deepen understanding, inform policy decisions, and promote equitable solutions in tech.

Selected fellows will receive $35,000 in funding to support their research or investigative reporting projects.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the first award notifications expected by June 30, 2026.

Focus Areas

Applicants must align their projects with one or more of the following priority areas:

1. CS/AI Education

• Expanding access to computer science and AI education
• Addressing disparities in tech learning pathways
• Evaluating policies that support responsible AI education

2. Innovation

• Advancing responsible AI and tech innovation
• Examining risks and benefits of AI investments
• Supporting inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems

3. Governance

• Strengthening tech accountability and regulation
• Addressing algorithmic bias and data privacy concerns
• Protecting marginalized communities from tech-related harms

Funding & Benefits

• Award Amount: $35,000 per fellow
• Total Awards: Up to 15 fellows selected
• Project Scope: National or region-specific (Oakland, Atlanta, Detroit)
• Output: Published investigative reports or policy research

This fellowship empowers recipients to produce in-depth, high-impact work that contributes to policy development and systemic change in the tech industry.

Eligibility Criteria

For Investigative Reporting Fellows

• Journalists (staff or freelance) based in the United States
• Minimum of 5 years of investigative reporting experience
• Must secure a publishing commitment from a media outlet

For Tech Policy Research Fellows

• Researchers affiliated with U.S.-based research or policy institutes (501c3 organizations)
• Experience in CS/AI education or tech policy research

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Personal bio (max 250 words)
• CV or resume
• Two published work samples
• Project proposal (2–5 pages)
• Project timeline and dissemination plan
• Research summary/abstract
• Supporting documentation (including editor commitment for journalists)

All documents must follow specified formatting guidelines and be submitted via the official online application portal.

Fellowship Expectations

Fellows are expected to:

• Deliver high-quality, publishable research or investigative reports
• Submit progress updates and final outputs
• Acknowledge Kapor Foundation support in publications
• Share dissemination strategies to maximize impact

Why You Should Apply

This fellowship is more than funding—it’s a platform to influence the future of technology. If your work challenges systemic inequities, promotes ethical AI, or informs impactful tech policy, this is your chance to make a difference at scale.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare all required documents and submit their applications through the official Kapor Foundation portal.

Deadline: Rolling basis (First awards announced by June 30, 2026)

APPLY HERE. 

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