Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
The Pulitzer Center is now accepting applications for its initiative focused on climate change and its effects on workers and work.
This ambitious initiative, Our Work/Environment, seeks to explore the global climate risks playing out in fields and on factory floors and being discussed in company boardrooms. As the world heats up, what jobs and employment sectors, what factory practices, what sorts of manufacturing–from computer chips to batteries to food production to fast-fashion–are threatened or must change? What factors will affect work? Heat, yes. Competition for water, for sure.
They want you to reveal the real-world problems of working as temperatures rise, and then tell them much more. Stories that document the impact on labor rights and the livelihoods of some of the world’s most vulnerable workers—including women who are often heads of household—as well as those that document companies that are working on solutions, and which are aiming for sustainability at scale, are of interest.
Grants do not cover books, feature-length films, staff salaries, equipment purchases, general outlet expenses, start-up funding, routine breaking news, advocacy or marketing campaigns, or data projects aimed solely at academic research. However, stories that could later become part of a book, short documentaries with ambitious distribution plans, and equipment rentals may be considered.
They encourage stories that help inform the public about the interconnected nature of business, climate, and consumer choices. They welcome stories that explain policy in real terms and plumb legal suits, when useful. Transparency and governance is a cross-cutting theme for all of their focus areas. They seek to support deep dive reporting projects that follow the money across borders; shed light on opaque and harmful supply chains; and investigate the systems, organizations, and people that enable corruption.
The Center is encouraging freelance and staff journalists from across the globe to apply, with a particular interest in regions such as Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Journalists working in print, digital, television, radio, film, or data journalism are all welcome to submit proposals. The selection committee is especially interested in vivid, innovative storytelling that can be shared across platforms and languages.
Applications must include a project description of no more than 250 words, a preliminary budget with a basic cost breakdown, and a compelling distribution plan. Proposals should also provide letters of commitment from publishing outlets and may highlight creative strategies for reaching diverse audiences beyond publication.
The application process is rolling, with decisions typically made within one to two weeks of submission. The Pulitzer Center will prioritize projects that can be completed, including publication, within one to four months.
For more information, visit Pulitzer Center.
