Deadline: 25-Apr-2026
The PCIJ–JAC Reporting Grant Program is inviting applications from journalists based in the Philippines for reporting grants focused on human trafficking and online scam operations. Selected applicants can receive up to Php 50,000 in grant support, plus up to Php 25,000 in additional reporting costs.
About the Grant Program
The PCIJ–JAC Reporting Grant Program supports public interest and investigative reporting on:
- Human trafficking
- Online scam operations
- Forced criminal activity linked to scam centers
- Systems and networks that enable trafficking and exploitation
The programme is designed to encourage strong, in-depth journalism that exposes complex trafficking mechanisms and accountability gaps.
Focus Areas
Applicants are encouraged to propose stories that explore:
- Recruitment processes used in trafficking operations
- Exploitation practices
- Human trafficking linked to scam centers
- Forced criminal activity within scam operations
- Systems, actors, and structures that sustain trafficking networks
- Underreported communities affected by trafficking
- Survivor experiences
- Gaps in accountability across different forms of trafficking
Grant Amounts
Funding depends on the format of the proposed story:
- Php 30,000 for a text story (print or online)
- Php 30,000 for a video story
- Php 50,000 for a combined text story + short video explainer (up to 3 minutes)
Additional Reporting Support
In addition to the main grant, selected grantees may receive:
- Up to Php 25,000 for reporting costs
This extra support is intended to help cover expenses related to:
- Field reporting
- Research
- Interviews
- Story development
Additional Benefits
Beyond funding, grantees will also receive:
- Editorial mentorship
- Coordination assistance
- Support during the reporting and writing process
This added guidance can help strengthen both the quality and impact of the final story.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to:
- Journalists based in the Philippines
Applicants should be able to:
- Submit a strong story proposal aligned with the call’s themes
- Commit to developing the proposal into a completed investigative or public interest report
Why This Opportunity Matters
This grant is valuable for journalists who want to investigate:
- Human trafficking linked to digital fraud ecosystems
- Cross-cutting exploitation and criminal systems
- Hidden survivor experiences
- Public accountability failures
It is especially relevant for reporters working on:
- Investigative journalism
- Human rights reporting
- Organized crime
- Migration and labor exploitation
- Digital and cyber-enabled abuse
How to Prepare a Strong Proposal
A strong application should clearly show:
- The core story angle
- Why the issue matters in the public interest
- What is new, underreported, or overlooked
- The reporting plan and likely sources
- Why the chosen format (text, video, or combined) is the best fit
- How the story can expose systems, patterns, or accountability gaps
Quick Facts
- Programme: PCIJ–JAC Reporting Grant Program
- Focus: Human trafficking and online scam operations
- Eligible Applicants: Journalists based in the Philippines
- Text Story Grant: Php 30,000
- Video Story Grant: Php 30,000
- Text + Video Grant: Php 50,000
- Additional Reporting Support: Up to Php 25,000
- Extra Benefits: Editorial mentorship and coordination support
FAQ
1. What is the PCIJ–JAC Reporting Grant Program about?
It supports investigative and public interest reporting on human trafficking and online scam operations, including scam-center-related forced criminal activity.
2. Who can apply?
The opportunity is open to journalists based in the Philippines.
3. How much funding is available?
Applicants may receive:
- Php 30,000 for a text story
- Php 30,000 for a video story
- Php 50,000 for a text story plus short video explainer
4. Is there extra support beyond the main grant?
Yes. Grantees may also receive up to Php 25,000 for reporting costs.
5. What kinds of stories are encouraged?
Stories on:
- Recruitment into trafficking
- Exploitation systems
- Scam centers and forced criminality
- Survivor experiences
- Underreported communities
- Accountability gaps
6. Do grantees receive mentorship?
Yes. Selected applicants will receive editorial mentorship and coordination assistance during the reporting and writing process.
Conclusion
The PCIJ–JAC Reporting Grant Program is a strong opportunity for Philippines-based journalists seeking support for impactful reporting on human trafficking and online scam operations.
With grants of up to Php 50,000, plus additional reporting support and editorial mentorship, the programme is well suited for investigative reporters aiming to uncover hidden trafficking systems and produce meaningful public interest journalism.
For more information, visit PCIJ.