Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

BIRN is offering 20 investigative journalism grants of €1,140 each, along with mentoring from BIRN editors, to support in-depth reporting on key social, political, and economic issues in EU member states and EU-aspiring countries. Applications are open until February 28, 2026, with decisions issued in cycles depending on the submission period. Eligible journalists must have at least two years of experience and provide a CV and a letter of support.

BIRN Investigative Journalism Grants: Funding, Mentorship, and Publication Support

Overview

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) has launched a grant programme to support journalists producing impactful investigations. The initiative strengthens accountability and public awareness by funding stories that examine major social, political, and economic issues, especially those involving human rights, marginalised groups, and gender equality.

What the Programme Offers

Selected journalists will receive financial support and professional editorial guidance to develop high-quality investigations.

Grant Benefits

• €1,140 gross per investigative story

• 20 total grants available

• 3–6 month project completion window

• In-depth mentoring from BIRN editors

• Broader publication reach, with final stories published under a licence that allows partners to republish for free

Focus Areas

Projects must have strong investigative potential and address issues affecting the public interest. Priority is given to stories that:

• Explore critical social, political, or economic topics

• Highlight human rights, gender equality, or the experiences of marginalised groups

• Demonstrate clear opportunities for uncovering new information or fostering accountability

Who Is Eligible?

Journalists must meet the following criteria:

• Be working in or publishing stories focused on EU member states or EU-aspiring countries

• Have a minimum of two years of experience in investigative journalism or content production

• Show a strong interest in examining significant public-interest topics

• Provide both:

  • A CV

  • A signed letter of support from the media outlet that will publish the story

Why It Matters

This programme helps strengthen investigative journalism across Europe by:

• Supporting reporters financially

• Providing expert editorial mentorship

• Enabling deeper investigations into issues that affect democracy and public accountability

• Expanding the reach of published stories through partner networks

How to Apply

1. Complete the English-language application form provided by BIRN.

2. Attach your CV and a signed letter of support from a publishing media outlet.

3. Submit your application before the final deadline of February 28, 2026.

Decision Timelines

• Submissions from March–June 2025: decisions in July 2025

• Submissions from July–October 2025: decisions in November 2025

• Submissions from November 2025–February 2026: decisions in March 2026

The call remains open until all 20 grants are awarded.

Evaluation Process

Applications go through two stages:

1. Administrative and eligibility check to ensure all documents are submitted correctly

2. Jury evaluation by experienced media professionals from consortium partners

The jury assesses:

• The story’s investigative potential

• The applicant’s capacity, including past investigative experience and subject-matter knowledge

Successful applicants receive confirmation via email and sign a contract with BIRN to access the grant.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define the investigative angle and why it matters

• Show strong evidence of feasibility within 3–6 months

• Demonstrate subject-specific knowledge

• Ensure your publishing outlet commits support through a signed letter

• Provide clean, complete documentation

FAQ

1. Can freelancers apply?
Yes—freelancers can apply if they have a confirmed publishing outlet that provides a support letter.

2. Does BIRN require co-funding?
No. The programme provides a fixed grant amount (€1,140) per story.

3. Can journalists submit multiple proposals?
The programme does not prohibit multiple submissions, provided each has a letter of support.

4. Are stories required to be cross-border?
Not necessarily, but they must relate to issues in EU or EU-aspiring countries.

5. What languages can stories be written in?
Applications must be in English, but stories can be published in the outlet’s language.

6. What types of stories are prioritised?
Investigations that uncover wrongdoing, assess systemic problems, or highlight rights-based issues.

7. How long does the project need to last?
Projects must be completed within 3 to 6 months.

Conclusion

BIRN’s investigative journalism grants provide an important opportunity for reporters to pursue deep, high-impact stories with full mentoring support. With funding, editorial guidance, and a structured evaluation process, the programme empowers journalists to strengthen accountability, shine light on public-interest issues, and reach wider audiences. Apply before February 28, 2026, to be considered.

For more information, visit BIRN.