Call for Protection Grants: Keeping Fact-Checkers Safe, Operational, and Independent

The European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) is running a permanent call for “Protection Grants” to provide direct, rapid support to fact-checkers facing harassment, attacks, threats, or related safety risks. Funding is supported by the European Union, with a rolling application window from 2 September 2026 to 31 May 2028 (or until funds are depleted). Eligible fact-checking organisations can request support for psychological, legal, physical, relocation, and cybersecurity needs. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN)

- Funding/support source: European Union (as stated by EFCSN)

- Opportunity type: Protection grants for fact-checking organisations

- Total call budget: €340,169

- Approximate number of grants: ~17

- Maximum grant per support request: €20,000

- Exceptional maximum: up to €40,000 (for example, relocation of a large team; requires additional approval)

- Funding rate: 50%

- Grant form: Lump sums

- Payment structure: 75% upon approval of request; 25% after approval of final report

- Max grant duration: 12 months

- Rolling dates: Open from 2 September 2026 until 31 May 2028 (or until funds are depleted)

- Submission method: Submit requests via the application platform (official application process described below)

- Processing times: Urgent requests within 48 hours; other requests within 5 working days

About the Opportunity

EFCSN, together with its members Faktograf, Pagella Politica, Fact Review, FactCheck Cyprus, and Greece Fact Check, has initiated a protection scheme to keep fact-checkers “safe, operational, and independent.” The call supports fact-checking organisations when individuals or teams experience harassment or threats, including (as examples provided in the source) online harassment campaigns, hacking attempts, vandalisation of office spaces, threats of physical violence, physical attacks, threats of imprisonment or lawsuits, and SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation). EFCSN states that submissions will be handled with security measures and processed as quickly as possible to provide aid. Funding and Benefits This call provides grant support through lump-sum payments with a 50% funding rate. Key funding limits and terms (as stated):

- Total call budget: €340,169

- Maximum: €20,000 per support request

- Exceptional cases: Up to €40,000 (e.g., relocation of a large team), but requests must be reasoned in detail and approved by the EFCSN Governance Body in addition to the standard selection procedure.

- Funding rate: 50%

- Payment schedule:

- 75% upon approval of the request - 25% after approval of the final report - Cost calculation: “Exact amount must be calculated using this template table.” Not specified in the source where that template is published; applicants should follow the official instructions in the application materials. Eligible costs (as described) Direct costs must be directly related to implementing the requested support and fall under these categories (examples are not exhaustive): - A. Psychological Support - Counselling sessions, burnout prevention activities, and specialised trauma training by qualified professionals - Physical checkups related to long-lasting stress

- Not eligible: general staff wellbeing not linked to a specific incident/harassment situation

- B. Legal Aid - Legal counsel/lawyer fees, court or filing fees, legal document translation, notary services, and directly related legal expenses - Covers defence against defamation, harassment, cyber and physical violence, SLAPP suits, copyright disputes, etc.

- Not eligible: legal costs related to commercial disputes, employment matters, or issues unrelated to fact-checking activities

- C. Physical Safety - Security system installation, security equipment purchase or rental, secure workspace rental, remote work setup costs, and related services

- Not eligible: general upgrades not linked to a specific security threat/incident

- D. Emergency Relocation - Transport, temporary accommodation, crisis coordination services, subsistence costs during relocation, and related support - E. Cybersecurity - Security software/tool licences, cybersecurity audits or risk assessments, secure hardware (e.g., encrypted devices), and implementation/setup costs

- Not eligible: general IT infrastructure upgrades not linked to a specific security threat or incident

Other stated terms:

- Retroactive costs: If a grant is approved, costs are eligible from the time of application submission.

- Indirect/administrative costs: capped at 10% of total direct costs.

- Max grant duration: 12 months

Who Is Eligible? EFCSN lists the following eligibility requirements:

- Legal entity requirement: Applicants must be a legal entity, either for-profit or non-profit.

- Certification / standards requirement: Applicants must be:

- EFCSN-certified fact-checking organisations, or - fact-checking organisations that can demonstrate they respect in practice the European Code of Standards for Independent Fact-Checking Organisations. - Geographic requirement: Organisations must be based in the European Union or DEP-associated countries. The source refers to “this document” for the most up-to-date list. Not specified in the source where that document is hosted; applicants should consult the official call page or linked document.

- Applicant type: The call is for single applicants only. Consortia cannot apply.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Fact-checking organisations may request support for the following needs (as defined in the source): - Psychological Support - Legal Aid - Safe Workspace - Includes installation of security systems, purchase/rental of security equipment, secure workspace rental, or costs enabling remote work during a risk period - “Workspace” is described as the reporting assignment itself and the physical space immediately surrounding it - Emergency Relocation - Transport, temporary housing, and crisis coordination for teams in danger - Cyb