Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026: $35K for Tech Equity
Are you a journalist or researcher passionate about fixing inequities in tech? The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 offers $35,000 to support projects that tackle these issues. This program targets professionals who want to shape AI ethics, tech policy, and fair innovation.
About the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship
The Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship backs investigative journalists and tech policy researchers. It focuses on projects that reveal systemic inequities in technology. The goal is to build better understanding, guide policies, and create fair tech solutions.
Fellows get $35,000 to fund their work. Applications run on a rolling basis. The first awards come out by June 30, 2026.
Key Focus Areas
Projects must fit one or more of these areas.
CS/AI Education
This covers ways to widen access to computer science and AI learning. It looks at gaps in tech education paths. It also reviews policies for safe AI teaching.
Innovation
Here, the focus is on ethical AI and tech advances. Fellows study the upsides and downsides of AI funding. They support business setups that include everyone.
Governance
This area deals with tech rules and oversight. It tackles bias in algorithms and data privacy. It protects groups often hurt by tech problems.
Funding and Benefits
Each fellow receives $35,000. The foundation picks up to 15 people. Projects can cover the whole U.S. or spots like Oakland, Atlanta, or Detroit.
Fellows produce reports or research that get published. This work helps shape policies and drive big changes in tech.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
For Investigative Reporting Fellows
You need to be a U.S.-based journalist, either on staff or freelance. Have at least 5 years in investigative work. Secure a promise from a media outlet to publish your story.
For Tech Policy Research Fellows
Work with a U.S. research or policy group that’s a 501c3 nonprofit. Show experience in CS/AI education or tech policy.
What to Submit: Application Requirements
Prepare these items:
- A bio up to 250 words.
- Your CV or resume.
- Two samples of your past work.
- A project proposal of 2 to 5 pages.
- A timeline and plan for sharing your work.
- A short summary of your research.
- Extra papers, like an editor’s letter for journalists.
Follow the formatting rules. Send everything through the online portal.
What Fellows Must Do
Fellows deliver strong, ready-to-publish reports or research. They send updates on progress and final results. Credit the Kapor Foundation in their work. Plan ways to spread the findings widely.
How to Apply
Gather your documents and apply via the Kapor Foundation portal. It’s rolling, so start soon. First decisions by June 30, 2026.
For details, visit Kapor Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship?
It provides $35,000 to journalists and researchers tackling inequities in tech, such as AI ethics, policy, and fair innovation.
Who is eligible to apply?
U.S.-based journalists with at least 5 years of investigative experience and a publication commitment, or researchers affiliated with 501c3 nonprofits in CS/AI education or tech policy.
What are the key focus areas for projects?
Projects can cover CS/AI education access, ethical innovation, or tech governance like algorithm bias and data privacy.
How and when can I apply?
Applications are rolling via the online portal; submit your bio, CV, samples, proposal, and more. First awards are by June 30, 2026.