The David and Helen Gurley Brown Institute for Media Innovation is excited to announce its 2025–2026 “Magic Grant” funding cycle, awarding up to $1M in total grants. We encourage bold, creative proposals that push the boundaries of storytelling and technology—particularly bicoastal collaborations involving team members from Columbia and Stanford. Applications are due by April 3, 2025, with finalists announced on April 18, and winners revealed on April 30. Funded projects will begin Fall 2025, though summer starts can be arranged.
Magic Grants have supported more than 125 innovative initiatives, from artificial intelligence and machine learning to new forms of data-driven journalism and immersive storytelling. Grantees receive year-long support, including funding of up to $150,000—or up to $300,000 for projects with team members at both Columbia and Stanford. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we encourage new perspectives and voices that can reshape how media is produced, distributed, and experienced.
These grants can cover a variety of expenses: salaries or fellowships for team members, development costs for software, specialized hardware, or prototypes, and resources for travel, research services, or materials. In addition, grant recipients gain access to our alumni network and professional development programs, as well as dedicated mentorship from Brown Institute advisors. To submit your proposal and learn more, visit our Call for Proposals or submission portal. If you have any questions, reach out to us at browninstitute@columbia.edu or brown_institute@stanford.edu.
We look forward to reading your proposals!