Opportunities
Grants, fellowships and programs to invest in leaders and storytellers who are reimagining what’s possible for our communities.
Grants, Fellowships and Programs
Pillars’ work has always been rooted in community-driven support for organizations and individuals advancing justice through civic and creative leadership. Building on that legacy, we are deepening our commitment to narrative and cultural power—recognizing these as essential pathways for Muslims and their partners to transform policy and society. We do this by facilitating fellowships, grant opportunities, and strategic support that amplify the voices, visions, and creative strategies of our communities.
Narrative & Culture Change Grants
For organizations building narrative power
Our Narrative & Culture Change Grants support organizations harnessing the power of storytelling and creative strategy to build narrative power in and with Muslim communities. These initiatives use arts, media and culture to express shared visions, elevate community voices, and spark new ideas about what’s possible. Through these partnerships, we uplift Muslim stories as a vital part of imagining and shaping a future grounded in creativity and connection.
By invitation.
Pillars Artist Fellowship
For emerging screenwriters and directors
The Pillars Artist Fellowship was created to support emerging screenwriters and directors committed to telling bold, authentic stories that reflect the complexity of Muslim communities. Launched in partnership with Riz Ahmed’s Left Handed Films and with support from Netflix and Amazon MGM Studios, the program provides fellows with unrestricted funding, industry mentorship, immersive retreats, and tailored professional development. Our goal is to equip creative leaders with the tools and connections they need to shape the future of film and television—and to expand what’s possible in how Muslim stories are told and seen.
New application cycle opens Fall 2025.
Journalism Initiative
For journalists and emerging platforms
Pillars’ supports journalists and emerging media platforms working to challenge harmful narratives and reimagine journalism in service of the communities it represents. Through grants, leadership programs, and strategic partnerships, we invest in people and projects that strengthen accountability, expand opportunity, and shift how stories are told. Launching in Fall 2025, our cohort-based fellowship will provide targeted support to journalists shaping the future of the field from the inside out.
Coming Fall 2025. This opportunity will be available by invitation or nomination.
Our Approach
Our grants, fellowships, and programs work across three core areas to support a dynamic network of Muslim civic and creative power.
Leadership Development
Equipping Muslim leaders and their partners with the skills and networks to shape public discourse.
Community building
Connecting civic and creative leaders across sectors to coordinate on shared goals.
Resource mobilization
Fueling bold initiatives and building a community-driven ecosystem for narrative and civic power.
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