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Request for Proposals: Investigation Support Scheme

Deadline: 13-Apr-2026

The IJ4EU Investigation Support Scheme provides €5,000–€50,000 grants to cross-border journalistic teams investigating corruption, democracy, human rights, climate, migration, public health, and other public-interest issues in Europe. With €1.2 million available for 2026–27, the programme supports impactful investigative reporting with funding covering up to 100% of eligible costs.

About the Programme

The Investigation Support Scheme is part of the IJ4EU (Investigative Journalism for Europe) initiative and is managed by the International Press Institute.

It funds cross-border investigative journalism projects that:

  • Reveal new information

  • Demonstrate strong public-interest value

  • Address issues affecting audiences across Europe

The programme supports collaboration between journalists and newsrooms operating in at least two European countries participating in the Creative Europe Programme.

Priority Topics

The scheme encourages investigations into:

  • Corruption, illicit enrichment, and financial crime

  • Democracy, governance, and human rights

  • Security and rule of law

  • Environment and climate change

  • Migration

  • Public health

  • Underreported or sensitive issues

  • Countries where investigative journalism faces political or financial pressure

Funding Details

  • Grant Range: €5,000 to €50,000

  • Total Budget (2026–27): €1.2 million

  • Cost Coverage: Up to 100% of eligible project costs

  • Payment Structure: Three instalments linked to milestones and publication

  • Acknowledgement Requirement: Published work must credit IJ4EU support

Additional Support

Beyond financial backing, selected teams receive:

  • Legal assistance

  • Editorial mentoring

  • Advocacy support

  • Digital security guidance

  • Networking opportunities via IJ4EU events

Eligibility Criteria

Teams must:

  • Include journalists or news organisations based in at least two European countries participating in Creative Europe

  • Meet eligibility based on residency (not nationality)

  • Demonstrate clear cross-border relevance

Teams may include:

  • Freelancers

  • Newsroom-based journalists

  • Members based outside Europe (if core geographic criteria are met)

Eligible Formats

All journalistic formats are eligible, including:

  • Print

  • Broadcast

  • Online

  • Documentary

  • Multi-platform storytelling

Application Timeline

  • Second Call Launch: 1 December 2026

  • Application Window: Nine weeks from each launch date

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted in English via the secure Good Grants platform and include:

  • Detailed project description

  • Research methodology and publication plan

  • Risk assessment

  • Budget breakdown

  • Letters of intent from publishers or broadcasters

Selection Process

  1. Eligibility Screening

  2. Independent Jury Evaluation

Projects are assessed based on:

  • Journalistic merit

  • Feasibility

  • Public-interest impact

  • Cross-border relevance

  • Overall balance of funded projects

Why It Matters

The IJ4EU Investigation Support Scheme strengthens independent journalism across Europe by:

  • Enabling collaboration across borders

  • Supporting reporting in high-risk or underfunded environments

  • Protecting democratic accountability

  • Providing legal and digital safeguards for investigative teams

FAQs

  1. Who can apply? Cross-border teams of journalists or news organisations based in at least two eligible European countries.

  2. How much funding is available? Between €5,000 and €50,000 per project.

  3. Can funding cover all project costs? Yes, up to 100% of eligible costs.

  4. Are freelancers eligible? Yes, freelancers and newsroom journalists may apply as part of a cross-border team.

  5. What languages must applications be submitted in? English.

  6. Are all media formats eligible? Yes, including print, online, broadcast, documentary, and multi-platform formats.

  7. Is additional support provided? Yes, including legal, editorial, advocacy, and digital security assistance.

Conclusion

The IJ4EU Investigation Support Scheme 2026–2027 offers substantial financial and professional support for cross-border investigative journalism in Europe. By funding high-impact, public-interest reporting and strengthening collaborative networks, the programme plays a crucial role in safeguarding press freedom and democratic accountability across the continent.

For more information, visit Investigative Journalism for Europe.