Deadline: 22-Jan-2026

The Pascal Decroos Fund by Journalismfund Europe provides grants for investigative journalism in Dutch-language media in Belgium. Open to professional journalists, the program funds distinctive projects that serve a Flemish audience, with €320,000 available across four rounds in 2025.

Overview of the Pascal Decroos Fund

The Pascal Decroos Fund aims to strengthen investigative journalism in Flanders by supporting high-quality, original reporting. It provides flexible funding for projects of varying scope, team size, and duration, enabling journalists to pursue research that uncovers important stories and informs the public.

Who is Eligible?

Professional investigative journalists, both starters and experienced professionals.
Projects must be published in a Flemish medium and target a Flemish audience.
Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent from an editor.
Staff journalists must prove they are not being paid for the project by their employer.

Why It Matters

Supports investigative journalism that enhances transparency, accountability, and public awareness in Belgium.
Encourages original, in-depth reporting that tackles social, political, or economic issues.
Provides financial backing to cover working time and essential project expenses, allowing journalists to focus on research and analysis.

Funding Details

Total funding in 2025: €320,000, distributed across four application rounds (€80,000 per round).
Funding covers working time, travel, translation, and legal screening.
Equipment, production costs, or per diems are not eligible.

How to Apply

Prepare Your Proposal: Include project description, objectives, methodology, and expected impact.
Secure Editorial Support: Submit a Letter of Intent from a Flemish editor confirming publication.
Complete Online Submission: Provide detailed personal and project information, budget in EUR, publication commitment, and identity documents.
Eligibility Check: Journalismfund Europe verifies eligibility before jury evaluation.
Jury Review: An independent, anonymous jury assesses applications based on added value, relevance, originality, feasibility, and applicant experience.
Grant Agreement: Successful applicants receive email notification and draft individual agreements outlining working time and expenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete or non-credible applications.
Failing to provide an editor’s Letter of Intent.
Budget errors or exceeding allowable expense categories.
Overlooking eligibility requirements for staff journalists.
Ignoring prior jury feedback for reapplications.

FAQ

1. Can beginners apply? Yes, both early-career and senior investigative journalists are eligible.
2. What expenses can be funded? Working time, travel, translation, and legal screening. Equipment and production costs are excluded.
3. Is editorial support required? Yes, a Letter of Intent from a Flemish editor is mandatory.
4. How are applications evaluated? By an independent, anonymous jury based on relevance, originality, feasibility, and experience.
5. When is the next deadline? 22 January 2026 at 13:00 CET.
6. Can I reapply if previously rejected? Yes, but you must address prior jury feedback and meet all program requirements.
7. How are decisions communicated? Successful applicants are notified by email approximately six weeks after the submission deadline.

Conclusion

The Pascal Decroos Fund is a key resource for investigative journalists in Flanders, providing financial and institutional support for projects that promote accountability and public understanding. By funding original, high-quality reporting, it enables journalists to focus on in-depth investigations that make a real impact in Belgian society.

For more information, visit Journalismfund Europe.