Data Journalism Grants

The Pulitzer Center invites innovative data-driven journalism project proposals to spotlight underreported issues globally. Open to U.S. and international journalists, this grant encourages cutting-edge data techniques and collaboration across newsrooms. Projects can explore advanced data mining methods, including machine learning and spatial analysis, to create impactful storytelling. There is no budget range, allowing flexibility in project scope, with past awards typically between $10,000 and $20,000. This initiative aims to empower diverse voices in journalism.

The Pulitzer Center, a non-profit organization that supports independent global journalism, is seeking applications for innovative data-driven journalism projects that spotlight underreported issues. This opportunity is open to all newsrooms and independent journalists in the United States and abroad.
Grant Overview
We are eager for proposals that will employ cutting-edge data techniques, as well as embrace collaboration among newsrooms, whether that be across state lines or across national borders. We encourage proposals that push the envelope in data collection and analysis and make use of advanced data mining techniques, such as machine learning, natural language processing, as well as spatial data analysis, satellite imagery, drones and sensors.
We do not have budget range for these data journalism awards. We will consider projects of any scope and size and and we are open to supporting multiple projects each year. Most awards for our past data journalism project support has been between $10,000-20,000, but may be more or less depending on circumstances.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?This opportunity is open to U.S. residents and journalists around the world. We are open to proposals from freelance data journalists, staff journalists, or groups of newsrooms working in collaboration with a data project idea. We want to make sure that people from many backgrounds and perspectives are empowered to produce data journalism. We strongly encourage proposals from journalists and newsrooms who represent a broad array of social, racial, ethnic, underrepresented groups, and economic backgrounds.

Ineligibility

What are examples of editorial products or project expenses that the Pulitzer Center grants DON’T cover? Books (we can support a story that might become part of a book, as long as the story is published independently in a media outlet) Feature-length films (we do support short documentaries with ambitious distribution plans) Staff salaries Equipment purchases (equipment rentals are considered on a case-by-case basis) An outlet’s general expenses (for example rent, utilities, insurance) Seed money for start-upsRoutine breaking news and coverage Advocacy/marketing campaigns Data projects aimed solely at academic research. Data should be developed to enhance/support journalism.