This grant is designed for cross-border investigative projects developed by teams of journalists, news organisations, or a mix of both. It supports work that aims to uncover new information and that has clear public relevance across more than one country.
To qualify, the team must include members based in at least two eligible European countries participating in the relevant Creative Europe framework. Eligibility is based on where team members live and work, not their nationality. Team members from outside those countries can still take part, as long as the core team meets the geographic requirement.
The fund is open to a wide range of editorial structures and working models, including:
- Freelance journalists
- Newsroom-based reporting teams
- Collaborations between journalists and media organisations
- Teams created specifically for a new investigation
The project must have cross-border relevance and must aim to reveal new information. Applications need to explain why the investigation matters to the public in the target countries or to a wider European audience.
A broad range of editorial formats can be supported, including:
- Print investigations
- Broadcast journalism
- Online reporting
- Documentary filmmaking
- Multi-platform storytelling
All topics may be considered. This can include areas such as corruption, financial crime, democracy, human rights, the environment, climate, migration, public health, and other underreported issues. Projects in places where investigative journalism is under financial or political pressure are particularly encouraged.
Funding can cover up to 100% of project costs, although co-funding is allowed and should be declared if already in place. Grants range from €5,000 to €50,000, with smaller requests suited to focused investigations and larger requests better suited to projects with greater scale or complexity.
Eligible costs can include:
- Journalist fees and salaries
- Freelance costs
- Research and production expenses
- Travel
- Translation
Equipment costs such as computers or cameras are not eligible.
Applicants must submit a project budget as part of the application. If selected, the team will enter into a grant agreement and the funding is normally paid in three instalments: an initial payment on signing, a second payment after a mid-term report and agreed progress, and a final payment after publication requirements and final reporting have been completed.
Final reporting is required shortly after the end of the grant period. Detailed receipts are not required upfront for final payment, but teams are expected to keep financial records and supporting documents in case they are requested later.
