Media Grants
Funding for journalists, writers and creators helping more people understand risks from advanced AI and biological threats.
$20k-$200k
6-12 months
About 4 weeks
What this is for
Media Grants fund people who make videos, podcasts, writing and journalism that help large audiences understand risks from advanced AI and biological threats, and what people can do about them.
You can use a Media Grant for:
- Living costs, so you can spend more of your time on the work
- Production costs, such as editing, equipment, research help and travel
- Moving an existing channel or publication toward AI safety or biosecurity
We fund all formats, including long-form and short-form video, podcasts, newsletters, journalism, books and film.
What we look for
Craft
Work people actually want to watch, read or listen to.
Accuracy
You get the details right, represent uncertainty fairly, and correct mistakes.
Audience and distribution
You already reach people, and you have a credible plan to reach more of the people who matter.
What you receive
Funding
$20k-$200k for 6-12 months. If you need less than $20k, or you’re just starting out, apply for a Rapid Grant instead. It’s much faster.
Editorial independence
You decide what to make. We don’t approve scripts, set quotas or require you to mention BlueDot.
Connections
Introductions to people in our network, including researchers and other people making relevant media.
What we expect from you
We keep this light.
- Monthly
A short update
What you published, what’s next and where you’re stuck. A few lines is fine.
- At the end
A short report
What you made, who it reached, and what you’d do next.
If you stop working on this before the grant ends, tell us and return the unspent funds.
Frequently asked questions
Rapid Grants fund smaller pieces of work, up to $20k, with a quick decision. Career Transition Grants fund you as you move into full-time AI safety or biosecurity work. Media Grants are for people already making media who want to make more and better work on these risks. If you’re not sure which fits, pick the closest one and we’ll move your application to the right route.
You need a track record of good work and a following you’ve built yourself. It doesn’t need to be large, and your work doesn’t need to be about AI yet. Established creators and journalists moving into these topics are very welcome. If you’re just starting out, apply for a Rapid Grant first.
No. You keep full editorial control. We don’t review scripts or drafts before you publish, and you don’t need to mention BlueDot.
Yes. Explaining policy debates is welcome. We don’t fund lobbying, campaigning for or against specific legislation, or work for political candidates or parties.
Yes. Tell us how much of your time the grant would cover, and we’ll size the grant to match.
You can apply to renew. We’ll review what you made and who it reached, and decide again. Renewal isn’t automatic.
If you need the grant paid to a company rather than to you personally, tell us in your application and we’ll work out what’s possible.
No. Anyone can apply.
We cannot send money to the following countries and territories: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo Republic, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, India, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Russia, Venezuela, Yemen. We cannot fund individuals or organizations where doing so would breach applicable sanctions.
Unsure whether a restriction applies? Contact us before applying.
The grant is paid to you to support your media work on AI safety or biosecurity. It isn’t a salary, an investment or a contract for services. Grants are often taxable income, and we can’t give tax advice, so please check with a qualified advisor in your country.