The Omidyar Network Tech Journalism Fund is a grant initiative designed to support journalists producing in-depth, impactful stories at the intersection of technology, society, and governance. Recognizing that technology increasingly shapes every aspect of human life from how we communicate and learn to how we work and make decisions the Fund seeks to foster independent journalism that critically examines the influence of technological innovation. Through project-based grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, the program empowers journalists to pursue ambitious reporting projects that require significant time, research, and resources.
At its core, the Tech Journalism Fund aims to strengthen accountability within the rapidly evolving technology landscape. As artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms transform societies, the need for responsible and informed journalism has never been greater. The Fund was created to ensure that journalists have the financial and institutional support required to explore how these innovations affect democracy, human rights, and social equity.
Focus Areas
While the Fund welcomes a wide range of proposals related to technology and its impact, it prioritizes investigative and analytical projects that delve into four key themes:
- Technology Regulation and Policy:
The Fund supports reporting that examines how governments and institutions are crafting policies to regulate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data privacy systems, and online content moderation. Journalists are encouraged to explore both the opportunities and challenges of governance in an increasingly digital world. - Investigations into the Technology Industry:
Projects that shed light on the operations, power dynamics, and ethics of major technology companies are highly valued. This includes stories that uncover the role of tech leaders, investors, and innovators who are shaping the digital economy, as well as investigations into the influence of Big Tech on society, politics, and human behavior. - Impact of AI on Youth and Families:
The Fund is particularly interested in stories that address how artificial intelligence and digital tools affect children, teenagers, and families. Topics may include mental health, digital safety, educational technology, social media use, and the implications of data collection on young users. - Technology and the Future of Work:
As automation, AI, and remote work redefine employment, the Fund supports journalism that examines how workers, unions, and employers are adapting. Proposals might explore labor rights, job displacement, digital skills training, and the ethical use of AI in workplaces.
Who Can Apply
The Fund is open to freelancers, staff journalists, editors, and teams working in any medium print, broadcast, digital, or multimedia. Applicants must be based in the United States, but there are no restrictions on experience level. The program welcomes early-career and veteran journalists alike, encouraging diverse perspectives and backgrounds that enrich public understanding of technology’s societal impact.
Use of Funds
Grant funding may be allocated to cover a wide range of reporting costs. This includes travel expenses, data acquisition, research assistance, fact-checking services, access to specialized databases, and stipends for journalists dedicating time to investigative work. Applicants are expected to provide a clear and realistic budget that outlines how funds will directly support their proposed story or project.
Editorial Independence and Publication
A defining principle of the Omidyar Network Tech Journalism Fund is editorial independence. All grantees retain complete control over their reporting, ensuring that funding does not influence content, tone, or conclusions. Supported projects must transparently acknowledge their funding source but remain free from editorial direction. The final works will be publicly accessible to maximize their impact and encourage informed discussions about technology’s role in modern life.
Application and Selection Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, offering flexibility for journalists with time sensitive projects. Proposals are evaluated based on originality, significance, research depth, and the potential for public engagement. The review committee aims to notify applicants of funding decisions within 30 days of submission.
Ultimately, the Omidyar Network Tech Journalism Fund stands as a vital resource for journalists committed to investigating technology’s influence on society. By supporting rigorous, independent reporting, the Fund strengthens public understanding, fosters transparency, and ensures that powerful technologies are held to account for their impact on people and communities around the world.
