The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering up to three grants of 300,000 THB each to support investigative journalism in Thailand focused on business, human rights, and environmental accountability. The grants cover projects running from 30 April to 15 December 2026 (up to 7.5 months). Eligible applicants are registered Thai media-focused civil society organizations with at least three years of operation and a proven track record in independent, ethical journalism.
About the Grant Programme
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting media organizations in Thailand to produce investigative journalism that strengthens corporate accountability and responsible business conduct.
This grant programme aims to enhance public awareness of business-related human rights and environmental impacts through high-quality, in-depth reporting.
Grant Value and Duration
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Number of grants: Up to 3
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Maximum grant per organization: 300,000 THB
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Total available funding: Approximately 900,000 THB
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Project duration: Up to 7.5 months
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Implementation period: 30 April to 15 December 2026
Projects must be completed within this timeframe.
Programme Objectives
The programme focuses on strengthening investigative journalism that:
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Exposes and analyzes corporate-related human rights impacts
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Examines environmental harm linked to business operations
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Applies Business and Human Rights frameworks, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
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Promotes gender-responsive and inclusive reporting
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Encourages innovative storytelling formats
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Contributes to accountability, access to remedy, and responsible business conduct
Key Thematic Areas
1. Business and Human Rights (BHR)
Investigative stories should clearly link to Business and Human Rights themes, including:
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Labour rights violations
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Community rights
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Environmental rights
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Corporate accountability mechanisms
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Access to remedy for affected communities
2. Environmental Accountability
Reporting may examine:
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Pollution and environmental degradation
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Climate-related corporate impacts
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Resource extraction and community displacement
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Environmental compliance failures
3. Gender-Responsive Reporting
All projects must:
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Analyse differentiated impacts on women, men, and gender-diverse groups
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Avoid harmful stereotypes
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Ensure ethical representation
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Highlight intersectional vulnerabilities
Gender-sensitive journalism is mandatory.
4. Innovative Storytelling
Applicants are encouraged to use:
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Long-form investigative articles
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Scrollytelling formats
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Data-driven journalism
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Multimedia and interactive storytelling
The goal is to increase public engagement and awareness.
Expected Deliverables
Selected grantees must produce:
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A series of investigative stories
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At least three separate media products
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Publication through official channels of recognized news agencies or media outlets
Each story must clearly demonstrate its relevance to Business and Human Rights themes.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
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Be a non-governmental or independent media-focused civil society organization
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Be legally registered in Thailand
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Have operated for at least three years
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Demonstrate a clear mandate promoting independent, ethical, quality journalism
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Have experience producing in-depth reporting on environmental, social, or human rights issues
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Provide at least three relevant work samples from the past three years
Unregistered media collectives or informal groups may apply only in partnership with an eligible registered organization acting as the lead applicant.
Proposal Requirements
Applications must include:
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A detailed project proposal
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A clear focus on corporate accountability
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Constructive, evidence-based advocacy elements
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A storyboard outlining planned media products
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A detailed methodology
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A risk assessment
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Three samples of relevant investigative work
Projects must demonstrate journalistic rigor and ethical standards.
What Is the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)?
The UNGPs are a global framework that outlines:
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The state duty to protect human rights
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The corporate responsibility to respect human rights
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Access to remedy for victims of business-related abuses
Applying the UNGP framework ensures investigative reporting is aligned with international human rights standards.
Why This Grant Matters
Strengthens Corporate Accountability
Investigative journalism plays a key role in exposing harmful business practices and promoting responsible conduct.
Enhances Public Awareness
Well-researched reporting increases public understanding of corporate impacts on communities and the environment.
Promotes Gender Equality
Gender-responsive journalism highlights unequal impacts and strengthens inclusive accountability.
Supports Independent Media
The grant strengthens ethical and independent journalism in Thailand.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
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Confirm your organization meets eligibility requirements.
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Develop a strong investigative concept aligned with Business and Human Rights themes.
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Prepare a storyboard detailing at least three media outputs.
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Outline your investigative methodology.
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Conduct and include a risk assessment.
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Compile three relevant journalism samples from the past three years.
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Prepare a detailed budget (maximum 300,000 THB).
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Submit your application according to UNDP’s official instructions and deadline.
Ensure all required documents are complete and clearly structured.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to link stories clearly to Business and Human Rights frameworks
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Submitting fewer than three relevant work samples
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Ignoring gender-responsive reporting requirements
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Providing vague methodologies
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Not including a risk assessment
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Proposing activities beyond the 7.5-month timeframe
Incomplete or non-compliant applications may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many grants are available?
Up to three grants will be awarded.
2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Each grant can provide up to 300,000 THB.
3. What is the project duration?
Projects may run for up to 7.5 months, from 30 April to 15 December 2026.
4. Who can apply?
Registered Thai non-governmental or independent media-focused civil society organizations with at least three years of operation.
5. Can informal media groups apply?
Yes, but only in partnership with an eligible registered organization as the lead applicant.
6. What outputs are required?
At least three investigative media products published through recognized media outlets.
7. Is gender-responsive reporting mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must analyse differentiated impacts and ensure inclusive, ethical representation.
Conclusion
The UNDP investigative journalism grant offers a strategic opportunity for Thai media organizations to strengthen reporting on business, human rights, and environmental accountability.
With funding of up to 300,000 THB per project, this programme supports rigorous, gender-responsive, and innovative investigative journalism that promotes corporate responsibility and access to remedy.
Eligible organizations with a strong track record in independent journalism are encouraged to develop comprehensive proposals that align with Business and Human Rights frameworks and contribute to a more accountable and responsible business environment in Thailand.
For more information, visit UNDP.
