The International Campaign for Tibet is pleased to announce the launch of the Tibet Journalism Lab, a new grant initiative supporting independent journalists and media organizations producing in-depth reporting on Tibet. A total of $24,000 will be awarded across approximately six projects that deepen public understanding of Tibet through original reporting, research and documentation.
“For decades, a central part of ICT’s work has been to help close the information gap on Tibet by documenting developments on the ground, bringing credible information to the international community, and challenging misinformation about Tibet and the Tibetan people. The Tibet Journalism Lab builds on that commitment by investing directly in independent journalism on Tibet,” said Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet.
“We hope this initiative will enable important reporting that might otherwise go unfunded and underscore the urgent need for greater and sustained support for Tibetan journalists and media organizations,” she added.
Projects supported by Tibet Journalism Lab will include investigative and in-depth articles, multimedia reporting, audio and visual journalism, and other reporting formats intended for publication or distribution in Tibetan or any other language, along with an English version.
Selected journalists will also have access to a panel of mentors for editorial guidance and support, while preserving their editorial independence. This support will focus on reporting practices, editorial standards, digital security, news verification, source protection, and sensitive Tibet reporting practices, among others.
“Access to reliable information from inside Tibet remains severely restricted. Journalists face extraordinary challenges in gathering and verifying information, while Tibetans who communicate with the outside world face significant risks. This makes independent, secure and credible reporting essential to ensuring that developments inside Tibet continue to reach global audiences. ICT’s Tibet Journalism Lab seeks to strengthen that vital work,” said Ryan Fioresi, Executive Director, International Campaign for Tibet.
Eligibility and selection
Tibetan journalists from any part of the world are eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000 for their proposed project. In the case of collaborative journalism projects, the primary applicant must be Tibetan.
Projects will be selected based on the strength and relevance of their pitch, feasibility, journalistic rigor, potential impact and plans for publication or distribution. Applications for the inaugural grant cycle will be accepted from October 7 through November 15, 2026 and applicants will be notified of their selection by late December 2026.
The Tibet Journalism Lab is part of ICT’s Tibetan Empowerment Programs, which include the Tibetan Youth Leadership Program, the Washington Internship Program for Tibetan Americans, the Rowell Fund for Tibet and the Schrucker Fellowship for the Arts.
You can read more about the program guidelines and access the online application form here.