Call for Proposals: Pascal Decroos Fund (Belgium)

Deadline: 23-Apr-2026

Journalismfund Europe’s Pascal Decroos Fund provides grants to support investigative journalism in Dutch-language media in Belgium. In 2026, €270,000 will be distributed across four application rounds. Funding is available to both novice and experienced professional journalists for projects with high news value, originality, and relevance to the Flemish audience, covering eligible expenses like travel, research, translation, and legal support.

Overview of the Fund

The Pascal Decroos Fund is designed to advance investigative journalism in Flemish media by supporting projects that cannot be realized through standard journalistic channels. The program encourages originality, depth, and time-intensive research, fostering high-quality investigative reporting relevant to Flanders. Funding is provided by the Flemish government and administered by Journalismfund Europe.

Eligible Activities

The fund covers expenses directly related to investigative journalism, including:

• Travel, visa, and accommodation costs

• Translation services

• Fixers and local collaborators

• Access to pay-databases and FOI requests

• Legal screening and professional guidance

• Research time (only for freelance journalists)

Ineligible expenses include: IT equipment, cameras, office costs, production costs, food, beverage, and per diems. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with local journalists to reduce carbon footprint and avoid unnecessary travel.

Who is Eligible

• Professional investigative journalists, both starters and seniors

• Freelance or employed journalists

• Natural persons only (organizations cannot apply)

• Applicants must publish results in a Flemish medium in Dutch

• Starters should provide personal references or prior work; experienced journalists must include a letter of intent for publication from at least one professional news outlet

Grant Scope and Project Requirements

• Projects must have high news value, originality, and depth

• Applicable end products include newspaper/magazine articles, radio/TV documentaries and series, photo-reportages, podcasts, and journalistic non-fiction books

• Projects must be relevant to Flanders and published in a Dutch-language medium in Belgium

• Applicants must submit a detailed budget according to the provided template

Grant Details

• Total funding (2026): €270,000

• Per round: Approximately €67,500

• Eligible expenses: As outlined above

• Application rounds: Four per year

• Next application deadline: 23 April 2026, 13:00 CET

• Decision timeline: Applicants are usually informed around 40 days after the deadline

How to Apply

1. Prepare documents: Copy of ID or passport, CV, letters of intent from media outlets (if required), and detailed budget

2. Complete online form: Provide personal details, project description, dissemination plan, and budget

3. Submit before the deadline: Ensure all required documents and templates are included

4. Follow-up: Journalismfund Europe may request additional information within one week after submission

5. Evaluation: An independent jury of four investigative journalism experts reviews applications confidentially, with final decisions communicated approximately 40 days after the deadline

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Relevance and news value for Flanders

• Originality and investigative depth

• Feasibility and clarity of project structure

• Quality of budget and resource planning

• Potential impact of the journalistic work

• Compliance with fund guidelines and eligibility criteria

Common Tips and Pitfalls

• Ensure all documents, including ID, CV, letters of intent, and budget, are complete

• Projects must demonstrate originality and cannot be realized through regular journalistic channels

• Collaboration with local journalists is encouraged for quality and sustainability

• Avoid including ineligible expenses like production equipment, food, or office costs

• Clearly explain how research and reporting will benefit the Flemish audience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Individual professional investigative journalists, both starters and seniors, in Belgium.

2. What expenses are covered? Travel, visa, accommodation, translation, fixers, pay-database access, FOI requests, legal screening, and research time for freelancers.

3. Are production costs or equipment eligible? No, items such as IT equipment, cameras, office costs, food, beverage, and per diems are ineligible.

4. Can freelancers and employed journalists both apply? Yes, with research time covered only for freelancers.

5. Are project outcomes required to be published? Yes, in a Dutch-language medium relevant to Flanders.

6. How many application rounds are there per year? Four rounds.

7. When is the next application deadline? 23 April 2026 at 13:00 CET.

Conclusion

The Pascal Decroos Fund provides an opportunity for journalists to conduct high-quality investigative research that is original, impactful, and relevant to Flemish audiences. By supporting both emerging and experienced journalists, the fund fosters in-depth reporting, collaboration, and professional growth while maintaining strict editorial and ethical standards. Proper preparation, adherence to eligibility criteria, and clear articulation of project relevance and impact are essential for a successful application.

For more information, visit Journalismfund Europe.