2026-2027 Magic Grants

About this program

The David and Helen Gurley Brown Institute for Media Innovation, a collaboration between Stanford’s School of Engineering and Columbia Journalism School, offers 2026–2027 Magic Grants for innovative projects combining media, technology, and new approaches to storytelling. Awards provide up to $150,000 for one year, or $300,000 for teams spanning both institutions, supporting personnel, prototyping, production, software, equipment, and professional development. Applicants may include students, faculty, alumni, and relevant practitioners with connections to Stanford or Columbia, along with external collaborators; bicoastal teams receive special consideration. Proposals must demonstrate originality, potential impact, a strong team, and a feasible timeline, with applications due April 1, 2026, and mandatory participation in quarterly meetings and an annual retreat.