Deadline: 27-Aug-2026
Journalismfund Europe is inviting applications for the Invisible Life Grant Programme to support investigative journalism projects focusing on farmed animal welfare across Europe. The programme provides funding for journalists and media organisations conducting in-depth investigations into issues affecting farmed animals, agricultural systems, and related practices that often receive limited public attention.
The initiative aims to strengthen independent journalism, encourage cross-border collaboration, and support high-quality reporting that improves public understanding of farmed animal welfare issues across Europe.
About the Programme
The Invisible Life Grant Programme supports investigative journalism projects that explore issues related to farmed animal welfare and associated systems.
The programme focuses on:
- Investigative journalism
- Farmed animal welfare reporting
- Cross-border journalism
- Collaborative reporting projects
- Independent journalism
- Public-interest investigations
- Evidence-based reporting
- European-wide issues and trends
- In-depth research and documentation
- Accountability journalism
The initiative encourages reporting on topics that are often underreported while promoting journalistic excellence and public awareness.
Programme Objectives
The grant programme aims to:
- Support independent investigative journalism
- Increase reporting on farmed animal welfare issues
- Encourage cross-border journalistic collaboration
- Strengthen public-interest journalism in Europe
- Improve public understanding of animal welfare concerns
- Promote evidence-based reporting
- Support complex investigations requiring extensive research and fieldwork
- Foster high-quality journalism on issues of European relevance
Projects should contribute meaningful insights and public value through rigorous journalistic investigation.
Funding Information
The programme has a total budget of:
- €300,000 for 2026
Funding will be distributed through:
- Two funding calls during 2026
- €150,000 available in each funding round
Funding can be used to support:
- Working time for journalists
- Research activities
- Reporting expenses
- Documentation and evidence gathering
- Fieldwork costs
- Cross-border collaboration activities
- Other project-related investigative journalism expenses
Funding amounts may vary depending on the scope and needs of individual projects.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Professional journalists
- Investigative journalists
- Freelance journalists
- Journalism teams
- Media organisations
- Independent media outlets
- Cross-border reporting collaborations
Applicants should demonstrate the professional capacity to undertake and complete investigative journalism projects.
Eligible Projects
The programme supports investigations that:
- Focus on farmed animal welfare
- Address issues of public interest
- Require substantial research and documentation
- Involve investigative reporting methods
- Examine practices, systems, or policies affecting farmed animals
- Have European relevance
- Benefit from collaboration between journalists or organisations
- Produce high-quality journalistic outputs
Projects may involve national or cross-border investigations where cooperation enhances the quality and impact of reporting.
Cross-Border Collaboration
The programme actively encourages collaborative journalism.
Potential forms of collaboration include:
- Partnerships between journalists in different countries
- Joint investigations by media organisations
- Cross-border reporting teams
- Shared research and data analysis
- Collaborative field reporting
Such partnerships can help uncover issues that extend across national boundaries and increase the reach and impact of investigations.
Expected Outcomes
Supported projects are expected to:
- Produce high-quality investigative journalism
- Increase public awareness of farmed animal welfare issues
- Contribute to informed public debate
- Generate evidence-based reporting
- Strengthen accountability and transparency
- Support independent journalism across Europe
- Encourage greater understanding of animal welfare systems and practices
The programme prioritises journalism that delivers meaningful public-interest outcomes.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Relevance of the proposed investigation
- Journalistic quality
- Originality and public-interest value
- Feasibility of the reporting plan
- Strength of the investigative approach
- Potential impact and audience value
- Alignment with programme objectives
Projects that demonstrate strong reporting potential and clear public relevance are likely to be more competitive.
Why This Grant Matters
Farmed animal welfare is a significant issue affecting agriculture, food systems, public policy, environmental sustainability, and consumer awareness. Despite its importance, many aspects of farmed animal welfare remain underreported due to the complexity and resource requirements of investigative reporting.
The Invisible Life Grant Programme helps journalists pursue ambitious investigations that require time, expertise, and collaboration. By supporting independent reporting, the programme contributes to greater transparency, stronger public awareness, and more informed discussions on issues affecting farmed animals across Europe.
Tips for Applicants
- Develop a clear and original investigative angle.
- Demonstrate the public-interest value of the story.
- Explain why the investigation matters at a national or European level.
- Present a realistic reporting methodology and timeline.
- Highlight any planned cross-border collaboration.
- Provide evidence of access to sources, data, or relevant expertise.
- Clearly explain how funding will support the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Invisible Life Grant Programme?
- Professional journalists, freelance journalists, journalism teams, and media organisations can apply.
What topics does the programme support?
- Investigative journalism projects focused on farmed animal welfare and related systems across Europe.
How much funding is available?
- The programme has a total budget of €300,000 in 2026, with €150,000 available in each of two funding rounds.
Can cross-border journalism projects apply?
- Yes. Cross-border and collaborative investigations are strongly encouraged.
What expenses can be covered by the grant?
- Funding may support working time, research, documentation, fieldwork, collaboration activities, and other project-related reporting expenses.
How are applications assessed?
- Applications are evaluated based on relevance, quality, feasibility, journalistic value, and alignment with programme objectives.
What is the main goal of the programme?
- To support high-quality investigative journalism that increases public understanding of farmed animal welfare issues across Europe.
Conclusion
The Invisible Life Grant Programme provides valuable support for journalists and media organisations investigating farmed animal welfare issues across Europe. Through funding, collaboration opportunities, and support for in-depth reporting, the programme strengthens independent journalism and helps bring important but often overlooked issues into the public spotlight.
For more information, visit Journalismfund Europe.
