Inderreported Stories in Africa — Pulitzer Center Grant

The Pulitzer Center is inviting proposals for reporting projects that spotlight underreported issues affecting communities in Africa. The grant supports journalism that informs policy and behavior change and prioritizes work led by local journalists and newsrooms.

What they fund

Projects that investigate and explain systemic problems and practical solutions in areas such as:

• Water, sanitation, and irrigation access for farming communities

• Land degradation, soil health, and coastal erosion affecting fisheries and farm livelihoods

• Climate resilience and adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers

• Food security, supply chain disruptions, and local market dynamics

• Agricultural labor, maternal health among rural women farmers, and rural education that affects farming households

• Corruption, illegal extraction, and environmental crimes that threaten agricultural landscapes

Eligible applicants

• Individual reporters, photographers, radio/audio journalists, television/video journalists, and documentary filmmakers

• Freelance journalists and newsroom staff

• Newsrooms and collaborative teams (local and international)
  Local journalists and teams rooted in the communities they report on are strongly encouraged to apply.

What to submit

Applicants will be asked for:

• A concise project description (maximum 250 words) describing the story, its significance, and anticipated impact

• A preliminary budget estimate with a basic cost breakdown

• A distribution plan and letters of commitment from one or more news outlets (show how the reporting will reach target audiences, including communities featured)

Scope and editorial priorities

• The center funds data-driven, investigative, and accountability journalism that tackles systemic issues and holds powerful local actors to account.

• Multimedia projects that combine text, photography, audio, and video and include ambitious distribution plans are especially welcome.

• The center values proposals that plan for local reach and engagement (for example: community screenings, translated materials, or partnerships with local outlets and civic groups).

Funding & exclusions

• There is no fixed budget ceiling; projects of varying size and scope are considered.

• The center does not generally fund staff salaries or routine breaking news coverage. Equipment purchases are typically excluded (rentals considered case-by-case). Feature-length films and books are not covered, though short documentaries with strong distribution plans may be supported.

Timeline & notifications

• Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis.

• Applicants typically receive a response within one to two weeks of submission.

• If urgent field reporting is needed, applicants should explain the timing in their proposal.

Practical tips

• Show how your reporting will influence behavior or policy and who will use the findings.

• Include concrete distribution commitments from publishing partners.

• Budget realistically for local expenses and necessary contractors (data researchers, translators, designers).

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri-web. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official websites and portals of this opportunity for complete program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.