Pulitzer Center Grant for Investigative Journalism Projects

The Pulitzer Center invites freelance and staff journalists worldwide to apply for its Transparency and Governance Reporting Grants. The grants support in-depth reporting on corruption, abuse of power, and systems that destabilize countries or undermine democracy and governance; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

About the Transparency and Governance Reporting Grant

The initiative supports reporting projects that follow money across borders, examine opaque and harmful supply chains, and investigate the organizations, systems, and people that enable corruption. Relevant reporting may explore shadowy finance schemes, mismanagement, abuse of power, and the laws or policies that allow harmful practices to continue. The Center particularly values cross-border and collaborative reporting, data-driven projects, and innovative approaches that draw on more than one discipline.

Both freelance journalists and journalists employed by media outlets may apply. Collaborative teams investigating corruption, transparency, and governance are also encouraged to submit proposals. The Center particularly welcomes applications from the Global South and seeks reporting focused on Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. It also aims to support teams that reflect the communities they cover.

Applicants are asked to provide a description of the proposed project in no more than 250 words. They may attach a longer project description or reporting plan as additional materials. The application also requires a preliminary budget estimate with a basic breakdown of costs, as well as a compelling distribution plan. Distribution proposals should be detailed and include letters of commitment from outlets where the stories will be published. Applicants may also describe creative ways to distribute content and engage diverse audiences.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and applicants typically hear back one to two weeks after submitting. Review the grant application guidelines before sending a proposal. The Pulitzer Center also has yearlong investigative fellowships related to rainforests, oceans, and AI, through which applicants may propose a project. For related funding opportunities, browse grants and funding opportunities or explore other opportunities for youth.

Who Should Apply

This grant is intended for freelance and staff journalists with a defined reporting project on transparency, governance, or corruption. It may also suit teams planning collaborative or cross-border investigations and able to present a clear publication and audience-engagement strategy. Applications from the Global South are particularly welcome, as are proposals focused on Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Applicants should make clear how their proposed work investigates the systems and root causes behind the issue.

Key Highlights

• Opportunity type: grant for journalism and investigative reporting projects.
• Applicants: freelance and staff journalists worldwide, including collaborative teams.
• Application schedule: rolling; no fixed closing date is stated.
• Typical response time: one to two weeks after submission.
• Proposal materials include a project description, preliminary budget, and distribution plan.

Projects and Costs Not Funded

The Center does not fund books as final products, although it may support a story published independently by a media outlet even if that story could later become part of a book. It does not fund feature-length films, but may support short documentaries with ambitious distribution plans. Staff salaries are excluded except in some yearlong fellowships. Equipment purchases, an outlet’s general expenses such as rent, utilities, and insurance, and seed money for startups are also excluded. Equipment rentals are considered case by case. The grant does not support routine breaking news or coverage, advocacy campaigns, or data projects aimed solely at academic research; data should be developed to enhance or support journalism.