The Pulitzer Center, a non-profit organization that supports independent global journalism, is seeking applications for investigative data-driven projects on issues related to gender equality and the empowerment of women & girls. This opportunity is open to all newsrooms and independent journalists in the United States and abroad.

GRANT OVERVIEW

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by global crises and face discrimination and violence worldwide. In the fight against the disparities they endure, they show resilience, strength, and leadership. 

The Gender Equality Grant is designed to help journalists take to a new level the reporting on issues related to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. 

We value stories that elevate the voices of communities not often represented in the media, stories of resilience, and projects that tackle systemic issues of gender equality using data and investigative reporting. For inspiration, here are a few recent projects we supported: 

TO APPLY, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:

  • A description of the proposed project in no more than 250 words. 
  • A preliminary budget estimate, including a basic breakdown of costs. 
  • A compelling distribution plan.

We aim to support teams that reflect the communities they report on. We hope the Gender Equality Grant can help our partner organizations advance their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and commitments.

We accept grant proposals on a rolling basis. Please refer to Tips for Writing a Successful Pulitzer Center Grant Proposal for more information on how to apply.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 journalists, staff journalists, or groups of newsrooms working in collaboration with a project idea.  We want to make sure that people from many backgrounds and perspectives are empowered to produce journalism. We strongly encourage proposals from journalists and newsrooms who represent a broad array of social, racial, ethnic, underrepresented groups, and economic backgrounds.

When will you be notifying applicants on whether they've been selected?

We begin reviewing applications as soon as they are received and typically notify applicants within a month if they're being considered for support.  If there is some urgency to the field reporting, the applicant should state the reason in the application.

What is the budget range for proposals?

We do not have a budget range. We will consider projects of any scope and size and we are open to supporting multiple projects each year. The average size of a Pulitzer Center grant is $5,000, but may be more or less depending on circumstances.

Do you pay stipends or salaries for freelance journalists?

We expect news organizations to pay freelance journalists for their work, though in exceptional cases, we may consider stipends to cover a reporter's time, if provided in the budget with an explanation.  It is OK to include costs of contractors, such as data researchers, illustrators, or data visualization/story designers in your proposal and budget. Please do not include stipends for journalists/team members who are in the employ of newsrooms or are being paid by a publisher.

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-ups
  • Routine breaking news and coverage 
  • Advocacy/marketing campaigns 
  • Data projects aimed solely at academic research. Data should be developed to enhance/support journalism. 

More questions?

Email [email protected]—we're checking emails daily and look forward to hearing from you.

The Gender Equality Grant is supported by a partnership with PIMCO, which provides funding support for reporting projects, education and outreach, and community engagement on issues related to gender equality and the economic empowerment of girls and women.