RFPs: Environmental Investigative Journalism Grant Programme

The Environmental Investigative Journalism Programme funds cross-border teams of journalists to investigate environmental issues linked to European interests. With a total 2026 budget of €1.2 million, the programme supports reporting on climate change, biodiversity, environmental crime, and policy impacts. Eligible teams must include journalists or media outlets from at least two countries and produce publishable investigations.

Overview

This programme provides funding to support in-depth, collaborative investigations into environmental challenges affecting Europe and beyond.

It is designed to:

• Strengthen cross-border investigative journalism
• Promote transparency and accountability
• Generate high-impact environmental reporting
• Support evidence-based storytelling

Projects must result in publishable outputs with real-world relevance.

Key Focus Areas

Proposals should address one or more of the following:

1. Environmental Protection & Destruction

• Pollution and ecosystem degradation
• Industrial or policy-driven environmental harm

2. Biodiversity & Nature

• Loss of species and habitats
• Conservation challenges

3. Climate Change Impacts

• Effects on ecosystems and communities
• Adaptation and mitigation issues

4. Cross-Border Environmental Issues

• Transnational pollution or resource management
• Shared ecosystems across countries

5. Environmental Crime

• Illegal, unreported, and unregulated activities
• Wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, etc.

6. Comparative Policy Investigations

• Comparing environmental laws and outcomes
• Cross-country policy effectiveness

Funding Details

• Total 2026 budget: €1,200,000
• Per call: €400,000
• Number of calls: 3

What the Funding Covers

• Journalists’ working time
• Travel and accommodation
• Translation services
• Access to databases and datasets
• Legal support
• Insurance
• Freedom of Information (FOI) requests

Additional Support

• Tools (e.g., satellite imagery, datasets)
• Training (limited)
• Production costs (up to €1,000, if directly related)

Not Covered

• Administrative costs
• Equipment purchases
• Food, beverages, or per diems

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants:

• Freelance journalists
• Registered media organisations

Key Requirements:

• Team must include members from at least two different countries
• Media organisations must be registered for at least 12 months
• Applicants must show professional experience:
  • Work samples
  • References

Project Requirements

Proposals must include:

• A clear investigative hypothesis (what you aim to uncover)
• Defined methodology (how you will investigate)
• Cross-border collaboration plan
• Confirmed intent from at least two media outlets to publish

How It Works

1. Form a cross-border team (minimum two countries)
2. Identify a strong environmental investigation topic
3. Develop:
   • Hypothesis
   • Methodology
   • Publication plan
4. Secure publishing commitment from media outlets
5. Submit proposal during an open call
6. Conduct investigation if selected
7. Publish findings across participating platforms

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Build a team of journalists/media partners across countries
2. Select a topic aligned with environmental priorities
3. Draft your proposal including:
   • Investigation hypothesis
   • Research methods
   • Budget and timeline
4. Obtain letters of intent from at least two media outlets
5. Submit application before the deadline
6. Await evaluation and selection

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Relevance and importance of the topic
• Strength of investigative hypothesis
• Feasibility and methodology
• Cross-border collaboration quality
• Potential impact and publication reach

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak or unclear investigative angle
• No confirmed publishing partners
• Lack of cross-border relevance
• Incomplete methodology
• Including ineligible costs (e.g., equipment, per diems)

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative supports high-quality journalism that holds systems accountable and informs the public.

It helps:

• Expose environmental wrongdoing
• Strengthen investigative journalism capacity
• Promote international collaboration
• Inform policy and public debate
• Protect ecosystems and communities

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Focus on a clear, compelling investigation angle
• Ensure strong collaboration across countries
• Provide realistic timelines and budgets
• Highlight public interest and impact
• Secure credible publishing partners early

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Freelance journalists and registered media organisations working in cross-border teams.

2. Is cross-border collaboration mandatory?

Yes, teams must include members from at least two countries.

3. How much funding is available?

€1.2 million total in 2026, with €400,000 per call.

4. What costs are covered?

Travel, research, legal support, datasets, and investigation-related expenses.

5. Are equipment costs allowed?

No, equipment purchases are not eligible.

6. Do I need a publishing partner?

Yes, at least two media outlets must confirm intent to publish.

7. What kind of projects are prioritized?

High-impact, data-driven investigations with strong cross-border relevance.

Conclusion

The Environmental Investigative Journalism Programme 2026 provides a major opportunity for journalists to collaborate across borders and produce impactful environmental investigations. By supporting rigorous reporting and international partnerships, the programme contributes to transparency, accountability, and environmental protection across Europe.