Deadline: 06-Aug-2026
The Journalismfund Europe offers the Pascal Decroos Fund to support investigative journalism in Dutch-language media in Belgium. With a total budget of €270,000 in 2026, the fund supports original, in-depth, and socially relevant reporting in Flanders. Both emerging and experienced journalists can apply across four funding rounds.
Overview of the Programme
The Pascal Decroos Fund is a dedicated grant programme that enables journalists to carry out high-quality investigative reporting projects.
It aims to:
- Strengthen independent journalism in Flanders
- Support time-intensive investigative work
- Encourage innovative and original storytelling
- Promote socially relevant reporting
The fund is backed by the Flemish government and focuses on Dutch-language media.
Key Objectives
1. Support In-Depth Investigations
- Enable long-form, research-driven journalism
- Fund projects not feasible within regular newsroom budgets
2. Promote Independent Journalism
- Ensure editorial freedom
- Encourage critical and unbiased reporting
3. Encourage Innovation
- Support new formats, methods, and storytelling approaches
- Promote data-driven and investigative techniques
4. Strengthen Media Quality in Flanders
- Improve public-interest journalism
- Contribute to a stronger, more informed society
Funding Details
- Total 2026 budget: €270,000
- Number of rounds: 4
- Funding per round: ~€67,500
- Funding source: Flemish government
What the Grant Supports
- Investigative research time
- Reporting and production costs
- Project development and execution
The funding allows journalists to focus on complex investigations without financial pressure.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants:
- Professional investigative journalists
- Freelancers or staff journalists
- Both beginners and experienced professionals
Key Conditions:
- Projects must be published in Dutch-language media
- Work should focus on relevance to Flanders
- Applicants must demonstrate journalistic experience
Project Requirements
Proposals should:
- Be original and not previously published
- Demonstrate investigative depth
- Address socially relevant issues
- Show clear journalistic value
- Be feasible within the proposed timeline and budget
How It Works
- Journalists submit project proposals
- Proposals are evaluated across funding rounds
- Selected applicants receive financial support
- Investigations are carried out independently
- Final stories are published in Dutch-language media
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Develop a strong investigative idea
- Ensure your project:
- Is original and in-depth
- Has relevance to Flanders
- Can be published in Dutch-language media
- Prepare application including:
- Project proposal
- Methodology
- Timeline and budget
- Submit during one of the four annual rounds
- Await evaluation and selection
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed on:
- Originality and innovation
- Depth and investigative quality
- Social relevance and impact
- Feasibility of execution
- Applicant’s journalistic experience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting non-investigative or surface-level ideas
- Lack of originality or unclear angle
- Weak methodology or research plan
- No clear relevance to Flanders
- Unrealistic timelines or budgets
Why This Fund Matters
The Pascal Decroos Fund plays a key role in supporting independent journalism.
It helps:
- Enable critical, public-interest investigations
- Support journalists financially
- Strengthen democratic accountability
- Improve the quality of media in Flanders
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on a clear investigative question
- Provide a strong research and reporting plan
- Demonstrate societal relevance
- Show feasibility within time and budget
- Highlight your journalistic experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Professional investigative journalists, including freelancers and beginners.
2. How much funding is available?
€270,000 total in 2026, across four rounds.
3. What type of journalism is supported?
In-depth, original, and investigative reporting projects.
4. Is experience required?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate professional journalistic experience.
5. Can beginners apply?
Yes, both early-career and experienced journalists are eligible.
6. What language must the project be published in?
Dutch-language media.
7. What is the main goal of the fund?
To support high-quality investigative journalism in Flanders.
Conclusion
The Pascal Decroos Fund 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for journalists to pursue impactful investigative stories in Flanders. By funding original, in-depth reporting, the programme strengthens independent journalism and contributes to a more informed and accountable society.
For more information, visit Journalismfund Europe.