EFCSN Emergency Response Support Grants for Fact-Checkers

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The EFCSN Emergency Response Support Grants provide funding to fact-checking organisations in the European Union and DEP-associated countries to respond to disinformation during crises. The programme supports emergency fact-checking, investigative reporting, technology upgrades, crisis communication, organisational security, and long-term preparedness, with grants of up to €15,000 per project. EFCSN Emergency Response Support Grants – Overview The European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) is offering emergency funding through the FACTEUR project, an initiative focused on strengthening Europe’s resilience against disinformation and improving the ability of fact-checking organisations to respond effectively during information crises. The programme provides rapid financial support for activities that help organisations identify, investigate, verify, and counter false or misleading information during crisis situations. The funding also supports longer-term improvements, including crisis protocols, technical capabilities, staff training, organisational security, and cross-border cooperation. What Are the EFCSN Emergency Response Support Grants? The EFCSN Emergency Response Support Grants are designed specifically for professional fact-checking organisations and teams that need additional capacity to respond to emerging disinformation threats.

The programme has two funding streams:

Emergency Fact-Checking Grants: Support immediate fact-checking, debunking, investigative reporting, counter-narratives, and analysis during crisis situations.

Emergency Capacity-Building Grants: Support organisational and technical improvements that strengthen preparedness for future information crises.

The programme has a total budget of €450,000. Each selected project can receive a maximum grant of €15,000, with funding provided at a 50% funding rate. Why the EFCSN Emergency Grants Matter Disinformation can spread rapidly during wars, elections, natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other major crises. Fact-checking organisations often need to increase their reporting capacity quickly while also investing in technology, staff, security, and verification systems. The EFCSN programme addresses these challenges by helping organisations: Cross-border collaboration between fact-checking organisations. Translation and production costs connected with eligible activities. Funding Amount and Eligible Costs The programme provides a maximum of €15,000 per project. The grant covers 50% of eligible project costs, meaning applicants must provide the remaining share of project financing according to the programme requirements. Grants are provided as lump sums.

Eligible direct costs may include:

Staff salaries. Consultant fees. Equipment. Travel. Translation. Legal costs. Production expenses. Other costs directly connected to the approved project. Indirect costs may also be covered, subject to a maximum of 10% of eligible direct costs. Who Is Eligible? The programme is intended for professional fact-checking organisations and teams operating in the European Union or DEP-associated countries. Applicants must meet the programme’s organisational and editorial requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

Be a legal entity. Operate as either a for-profit or non-profit organisation. Be based in an eligible EU or DEP-associated country. Be a fact-checking organisation or team. Be EFCSN certified or demonstrate adherence to the European Code of Standards for Independent Fact-Checking Organisations. Publish at least four original fact-checking articles per month. Both individual organisations and eligible consortia can apply. Who Is Not Eligible? Organisations that do not meet the programme’s geographic, editorial, legal, or professional fact-checking requirements should not apply. In particular, applicants must be able to demonstrate that fact-checking is a substantive part of their editorial work rather than an occasional activity. Applicants should also carefully review the call’s rules concerning the number of grants an organisation can receive during the duration of the programme. How Does the Application Process Work? Eligible fact-checking organisations should first determine which funding stream best matches their proposed activity.

Step 1: Identify the Crisis or Capacity Need

Clearly define the disinformation challenge the project will address. For emergency fact-checking projects, explain the crisis context and the need for rapid verification or investigative reporting. For capacity-building projects, explain the organisational, technical, security, or preparedness gap that needs to be addressed.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Grant Stream

Applicants should determine whether their proposal fits: Emergency Fact-Checking Grants, or Emergency Capacity-Building Grants. The proposed activities should directly correspond to the objectives of the selected stream. Are EFCSN certified or follow the European Code of Standards. Have the capacity to deliver the proposed activities.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Applications should be submitted according to the instructions and deadline specified in the official EFCSN call documentation. Applicants should ensure that all required information and supporting documents are complete before submission. What Makes a Strong Proposal? A competitive proposal should demonstrate a clear connection between the identified information crisis and the proposed intervention.

Strong applications are likely to:

Clearly define the disinformation threat. Demonstrate an urgent or well-supported need. Provide measurable outputs and outcomes. Explain how the project will benefit audiences. Use appropriate fact-checking and verification methods. Demonstrate technical or editorial capacity. Provide a realistic implementation plan. Explain how the investment will strengthen future crisis preparedness. Demonstrate value for money. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should avoid sub