# Nonprofit pledges $10 million to fund AI journalism

> The Tarbell Center for AI Journalism will grant up to $500,000 to newsrooms, starting with a $480,000 award to NPR’s new podcast Machine Gods.

Oossa · 2026-10-05 · https://oossa.com/en/nonprofit-pledges-10-million-to-fund-ai-journalism

A Silicon Valley nonprofit called the Tarbell Center for AI Journalism announced a $10 million grant program that will run through the end of 2027. The money will go to newsrooms and other projects that want to do deep reporting on artificial intelligence. The first big award is $480,000 to Machine Gods, NPR’s new video podcast hosted by Kevin Roose and Casey Newton. NPR also receives $250,000 for its “Power and Influence” desk, which covers how AI shapes politics and business.

## How the fund will work

The nonprofit says it will give grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, and it could make larger, multimillion‑dollar awards for especially ambitious projects. Earlier, the group had only handed out $400,000 over four years, mostly small grants of $1,000 to $20,000 for individual AI stories. Backers include the nonprofit Coefficient Giving. The center plans to support investigative teams, AI beats at national outlets, and reporting on how AI firms and political groups influence U.S. tech policy.

## The facts

- The Tarbell Center for AI Journalism will spend $10 million on AI reporting by the end of 2027.
- Machine Gods, NPR’s video podcast, receives a $480,000 grant from the center.
- NPR’s “Power and Influence” desk gets $250,000 to expand AI coverage.
- Future grants will typically be $50,000–$500,000, with the option for larger awards.
- The nonprofit’s previous grant total was $400,000 over four years.

## Why it matters

More money for AI reporting means the public can get clearer, more detailed stories about how AI affects politics, business, and everyday life. Newsrooms will have resources to investigate complex AI issues that they might otherwise ignore. It remains to be seen which projects will receive the largest multi‑million‑dollar grants.

## Sources & references

1. [AI nonprofit will spend $10 million on journalism](https://www.semafor.com/article/10/04/2026/ai-nonprofit-will-spend-10-million-on-journalism) – Semafor, 2026-10-05

Last updated: 2026-10-05