CFAs: Postcode Lottery Fund for Journalists

Deadline: 24-Apr-2026

The Free Press Unlimited Postcode Lottery Fund provides up to €4,000 to support journalists covering underreported international stories through foreign reporting. The fund focuses on high-quality journalism, diverse global perspectives, and projects with strong editorial backing and audience reach.

Eligible applicants must be professional journalists with recent Dutch-language publications and a confirmed publishing partner.

What is the Free Press Unlimited Postcode Lottery Fund?

The Free Press Unlimited Postcode Lottery Fund is a targeted grant programme designed to support international journalism projects.

It aims to:

• Enable reporting from underrepresented regions
• Support in-depth, high-quality foreign journalism
• Promote global awareness through diverse perspectives
• Encourage collaboration with media platforms

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• Up to €4,000 per project

What the Fund Covers

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation costs

What is NOT Covered

• Journalist fees
• Food and beverages
• Personal expenses

Key Focus Areas

The fund prioritizes journalism projects that:

• Cover underreported global issues
• Focus on countries beyond dominant media attention
• Provide fresh, diverse perspectives
• Demonstrate strong storytelling and execution
• Reach a broad and relevant audience

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the fund, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

Professional Requirements

• Must be a professional journalist
• Must have published work in Dutch within the past year

Project Requirements

• The reporting trip must take place abroad
• The trip must not have already occurred
• The story should go beyond local relevance
• The project must target a broad audience

Financial & Funding Conditions

• A media employer or client must co-fund the project
• Applicants must not have received this fund in the same calendar year
• Any additional funding sources must be disclosed

Why This Fund Matters

International reporting is often limited by financial constraints and editorial priorities.

This fund helps:

• Bring attention to overlooked global stories
• Support independent and impactful journalism
• Strengthen international media diversity
• Enable journalists to report from challenging or undercovered regions

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare Your Story Proposal
   • Clearly define the topic, location, and relevance
   • Explain why the story is underreported
2. Develop a Reporting Plan
   • Outline journalistic approach and methodology
   • Include timelines and expected outputs
3. Secure Editorial Support
   • Obtain at least one letter of intent from:
     • Editor-in-chief OR
     • Media outlet willing to publish/broadcast
4. Complete the Application Form
   • Fill out the official form in clear Dutch
   • Provide detailed background and execution plan
5. Submit Supporting Documents
   • Letter(s) of intent
   • Budget breakdown
   • Disclosure of additional funding

Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on unique, underreported stories
• Show clear public interest and global relevance
• Demonstrate feasibility and planning
• Highlight audience reach and publication strategy
• Include multiple media partners if possible

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or vague proposals
• Failing to secure a publishing commitment
• Choosing topics already widely covered
• Not writing the application in Dutch
• Ignoring co-funding requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

The fund provides up to €4,000 per project.

2. Can freelance journalists apply?

Yes, as long as they meet eligibility criteria and have a publishing partner.

3. What expenses are covered?

Only travel and accommodation costs are covered.

4. Is prior publication required?

Yes, applicants must have published in Dutch within the past year.

5. Can I apply for a trip that already happened?

No, the reporting trip must not have taken place before applying.

6. Do I need a confirmed publisher?

Yes, at least one letter of intent from a media outlet is required.

7. Can I receive this funding more than once a year?

No, applicants cannot receive the fund more than once in the same calendar year.

Conclusion

The Free Press Unlimited Postcode Lottery Fund is a valuable opportunity for journalists to pursue impactful international reporting that often goes unnoticed.

By supporting travel-based reporting and encouraging strong editorial collaboration, the fund plays a key role in amplifying diverse global voices and strengthening independent journalism worldwide.

For more information, visit Free Press Unlimited.