Deadline: 31-Aug-2025
The Pulitzer Center has launched the South to South AI Accountability CoLab Microgrants Program to strengthen the connection between civil society and AI accountability reporting in the Global South. This initiative supports a more informed and transparent approach to AI governance by funding local projects that explore and address AI’s societal impacts.
Civil society actors, university professors, and researchers are invited to apply for microgrants that promote deeper understanding of AI, aiming to build a multidisciplinary community of academics, civic actors, and journalists working toward more accountable AI systems. These microgrants complement ongoing peer learning circles focused on knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Each microgrant offers up to USD $4,000, and projects must be completed within seven months. Selected projects will be announced in the first week of October 2025. The program encourages innovative formats and community-led ideas that enhance awareness, dialogue, and public understanding of AI.
Projects can include efforts to increase transparency in public discussions by engaging underrepresented civic actors, promote capacity building within communities and educational institutions, or develop tools and activities for wider knowledge sharing. Creative and culturally grounded approaches to reimagine AI governance are also encouraged.
Grants are not available for for-profit ventures, political endorsements, private lobbying interests, or projects unrelated to Pulitzer Center-supported AI accountability reporting. Grantees must submit a financial report, a narrative report with both data and outcomes, and a reflective blog post for publication on the Pulitzer Center website.
Eligible applicants from Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia must be based in civil society organizations or academic institutions. Civil society applicants should demonstrate experience in public engagement or influencing tech-related policy and show capacity to manage microgrants. Academics must have a background in tech policy or development and support from their institution.
Proposals will be selected based on their use of insights from the AI Accountability Network, relevance to key issues like human rights, tech governance, or environmental impact, and a clear plan for measuring results. Projects should demonstrate both short- and long-term impacts and uplift the voices of communities most affected by AI.
Applicants should prepare supporting documents such as resumes and letters of recommendation when submitting their proposal.
For more information, visit Pulitzer Center.
Sample Grant Proposals
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Amplifying Rural Voices: Community‑Driven AI Awareness Workshops”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Art Meets Algorithms: Culturally Embedded AI Accountability through Storytelling and Visual Media”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Bridging Academia and Activism: AI Policy Capacity Building for Civil Society”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Inclusive Tech: Digital Tools for AI Transparency Among Marginalized Communities”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “From Local Dialogues to Open Data: Participatory Mapping of AI Effects in Community Services”
👉 What type of AI Projects can NGOs implement in their Communities?