Request for Applications: European Cross-border Grants

The European Cross-border Grants, offered by Journalismfund Europe, provide financial support to cross-border teams of professional journalists in Europe for investigative journalism projects. This initiative aims to foster independent journalism by encouraging cross-border collaboration with expert guidance. The next application deadline is 7 January 2027.

Opportunity at a Glance:

- Provider: Journalismfund Europe

- Opportunity Type: Grant for investigative journalism

- Total Funding: €1,680,000 distributed over six rounds

- Funding per Call: €280,000

- Eligible Applicants: Cross-border teams of at least two professional journalists and/or independent news outlets from at least two different European countries

- Eligible Countries: Primarily EU countries, with potential inclusion of non-EU countries when relevant

- Next Deadline: 7 January 2027, 13:00 CET

About the Opportunity

The European Cross-border Grants aim to strengthen independent journalism by supporting investigative projects that require collaboration across borders in Europe. The focus is on projects with significant news value, originality, and innovative investigative methods that resonate with European audiences. The program supports journalistic research costs such as travel, translation, and database access, but not fixed or production costs.

Funding and Benefits:

- Total Grant Budget: €1,680,000

- Per Call Funding: €280,000

- Eligible Costs: Journalistic research, travel, translation, database access

- Additional Support: Option to work with project advisors and subject-matter experts for enhanced investigative depth

Who Is Eligible?:

- Applicant Types: Cross-border teams of at least two professional journalists and/or independent news outlets

- Geographic Coverage: Teams must include members from at least two different European countries, primarily from the EU

- Budget Requirement: At least 80% of the requested budget must be allocated to journalists/media from EU countries

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas:

- Themes: All themes are acceptable, provided they focus on cross-border issues involving at least two countries

- Supported Activities: Collaborative journalism investigations with news value and innovative approaches

Why This Opportunity Matters:

This grant is crucial for fostering high-quality, independent journalism in Europe. By facilitating cross-border collaborations and offering expert guidance, the program enhances the depth and impact of investigative projects, contributing to informed public discourse on European issues.

How to Apply:

- Prepare Your Proposal: Develop a cross-border investigative journalism project idea with substantial news value.

- Build Your Team: Ensure your team includes at least two professional journalists or news outlets from different European countries.

- Submit Application: Visit the application portal for detailed instructions and to submit your proposal by 7 January 2027, 13:00 CET.

- Include Required Documents: Ensure all necessary documents and details are included to avoid ineligibility.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes:

- Advice: Collaborate effectively by choosing partners with complementary skills and expertise.

- Common Mistake: Missing documents or incomplete applications can lead to disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the maximum funding available per project? Each call offers up to €280,000, but the allocation per project depends on the number of successful applications and the proposed budget. Who can apply for this grant? Cross-border teams consisting of at least two professional journalists or independent news outlets from two different European countries are eligible. What costs are covered by the grant? The grant covers costs related to journalistic research, such as travel, translation, and access to pay-databases. When is the next application deadline? The next deadline is 7 January 2027 at 13:00 CET. Can non-EU countries participate in the project? Yes, team members from non-EU countries can participate if their involvement is relevant to the story.

Next Steps:

To explore this opportunity further, review the official guidelines and start preparing your application. Engage with potential team members across Europe to develop a compelling investigative project that aligns with the grant’s objectives.