Deadline: 22-Jul-2026
Free Press Unlimited is supporting cross-border investigative journalism projects that examine the social, political, environmental, and human impacts of artificial intelligence. The programme provides grants of up to €5,000 per project to journalist teams developing in-depth investigations on AI-related issues.
Selected teams receive funding, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to an AI and Journalism Lab designed to strengthen investigative reporting on emerging technologies.
What Is the Free Press Unlimited AI Journalism Grant?
The Free Press Unlimited AI Journalism Grant supports collaborative investigative reporting focused on artificial intelligence.
The programme is designed for journalists and media organisations investigating how AI affects:
- Society
- Democracy
- Human rights
- Environment
- Technology governance
- Human behaviour
The initiative encourages cross-border cooperation and deeper reporting on the growing influence of AI systems.
Main Objectives of the Programme
The grant aims to:
- Strengthen investigative journalism on AI
- Support independent media organisations
- Encourage international collaboration
- Increase public understanding of AI impacts
- Promote accountability in technology development
The programme helps journalists explore complex AI-related issues that require research, expertise, and cooperation.
Key Investigation Themes
AI Technology and Development
Projects may investigate:
- How AI systems are built
- How AI tools are used
- Risks and opportunities of AI adoption
- Technical decision-making processes
Political Power and AI Influence
Investigations may explore:
- Government use of AI
- AI policy decisions
- Political interests behind AI development
- Influence of technology companies
Accountability of AI Companies
Projects may examine:
- Corporate responsibility
- Transparency practices
- AI governance
- Ethical concerns
Journalists may investigate whether AI companies are meeting public expectations around safety and responsibility.
Environmental Impact of AI
AI systems require significant computing resources.
Investigations may focus on:
- Energy consumption
- Data centre impacts
- Resource use
- Climate consequences
AI and Human Rights
Projects may explore:
- Privacy concerns
- Discrimination risks
- Surveillance
- Rights violations linked to AI systems
AI and Human Psychology
Investigations may examine:
- AI influence on behaviour
- Human relationships with AI tools
- Mental health impacts
- Social effects of automated systems
Grant Details
Number of grants available:
4 grants
Maximum funding per grant:
€5,000
The funding supports investigative production costs.
Eligible Expenses
Funding can support:
Freelance Journalism Costs
Examples include:
- Freelance reporting fees
- Research contributions
- Specialist journalism work
Travel and Fieldwork
Eligible costs may include:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Field investigation costs
Translation and International Collaboration
Support may cover:
- Translation services
- Cross-border reporting needs
Production and Design
Funding may support:
- Data visualisation
- Design work
- Story presentation materials
Equipment Rental
Eligible costs include:
- Production equipment rental
- Post-production equipment rental
Ineligible Costs
The grant does not cover:
Staff Salaries
Not eligible:
- Salaries of employed journalists
- Regular staff costs
Completed Work
Funding cannot support:
- Previously finished investigations
- Existing published stories
General Operational Costs
Not eligible:
- Office expenses
- General overheads
- Administrative costs
Software and Equipment Purchases
The programme does not fund:
- General-purpose software
- Equipment purchases
Who Is Eligible?
The programme supports:
- Independent European media organisations
- Freelance journalists
- Staff journalists working with eligible media organisations
Applicants must be based in countries participating in the Creative Europe Programme’s full cross-sectoral strand.
Additional Eligibility
Journalists from:
may also apply if they legally reside in the EU due to:
- Conflict-related displacement
- Restrictions affecting independent media work
Team Requirements
Applications must come from cross-border teams.
Teams must include:
- At least two journalists or media organisations
- Participants from at least two eligible European countries
The programme encourages diverse collaborations.
Preferred teams may include:
- Journalists
- Technology experts
- Researchers
- IT specialists
- Other relevant professionals
Benefits Beyond Funding
Selected participants receive additional support.
Mentorship
Participants gain access to:
- Expert guidance
- Investigative journalism support
- Project development advice
Media Networks
Participants join networks involving:
- Media hubs
- Journalism organisations
- International partners
AI and Journalism Lab
Selected teams can attend a dedicated AI and Journalism Lab.
The lab supports:
How to Apply
Step 1: Build a Cross-Border Team
Applicants should identify partners from eligible countries.
Teams should include:
- Journalists
- Media organisations
- Relevant experts
Step 2: Develop an Investigation Idea
The proposed story should explain:
- The AI issue being investigated
- Why it matters
- Expected public impact
Step 3: Create a Budget
Applicants should outline costs such as:
- Reporting fees
- Travel
- Translation
- Production support
Step 4: Submit Application
Teams should provide:
- Project concept
- Team information
- Budget plan
- Investigation approach
Step 5: Selection Process
Applications are assessed based on:
- Investigative value
- Cross-border relevance
- Public interest
- Feasibility
- Team expertise
Why This Programme Matters
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people work, communicate, and make decisions.
Investigative journalism plays an important role in examining:
- Who controls AI systems
- How AI affects communities
- Whether technology companies are accountable
- What risks and opportunities exist
This programme helps journalists produce independent reporting that informs public debate around AI.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Weak Cross-Border Collaboration
The programme requires international cooperation.
Tip: Show how partners from different countries strengthen the investigation.
Broad AI Topics
AI is a wide subject.
Tip: Focus on a specific issue with clear public interest.
Limited Investigation Plan
Strong proposals need clear methods.
Tip: Explain sources, research methods, and expected outcomes.
Including Ineligible Costs
Some expenses are excluded.
Tip: Focus budgets on reporting, production, and investigation activities.
Missing Expert Collaboration
AI topics often require technical understanding.
Tip: Include relevant specialists where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Free Press Unlimited AI Grant support?
It supports investigative journalism projects examining the impact of artificial intelligence.
How much funding is available?
Each selected project can receive up to €5,000.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include journalists and independent media organisations in participating Creative Europe countries.
Are individual journalists allowed to apply?
Yes, freelance journalists can apply as part of eligible cross-border teams.
Must projects involve multiple countries?
Yes. Applications require teams from at least two eligible European countries.
What topics can investigations cover?
Projects can examine AI technology, politics, accountability, environmental impacts, human rights, and psychology.
Are AI experts allowed to join teams?
Yes. Teams including non-journalist professionals such as IT specialists are encouraged.
Conclusion
The Free Press Unlimited AI Investigative Journalism Grant Programme supports journalists exploring the complex effects of artificial intelligence.
By funding cross-border investigations, expert collaboration, and independent reporting, the programme helps strengthen public understanding and accountability around AI technologies.
For more information, visit Free Press Unlimited.
