Rules for applications

What we support

• Journalismfund.eu supports investigative journalism research. 
• The story must be relevant for audiences in Europe. 
• The story should bring significant new information to the audiences. 
• The result of the research must be published in media in two or more European countries. These media must reach a broad audience. If relevant the story should furthermore be published in media addressing European decision makers. 
• Journalismfund.eu supports cross-border reporting. This means we support teams of journalists from two or more countries who pool competences from each their countries for the research and publish to each their individual target group and if relevant towards EU decision makers. 
• Journalismfund.eu supports European affairs reporting. This means we support teams of journalists from two or more countries who research a European Union story  for publication to the each their target group and towards EU decision makers. 
• Journalismfund on very rare occasions supports individual journalists covering European affairs if they fulfil the multiple publication requirements and if they hav a good argument for working without colleagues from other countries. 
• Journalismfund.eu supports costs related to journalistic research for all media. This can include travel, translation, access to pay-databases or simply time to research. We do not support fixed costs such as office costs, investments such as cameras or computers, nor do we support production costs.  

Who can apply

• Journalismfund.eu supports journalists from EU and EFTA countries. When relevant for the story team members outside these countries can be accepted. 
• Applicants must be working as professional journalists. 
• Only natural persons are eligible. 

Calls for proposals and applications

• Calls for proposals will be announced to all subscribers of our newsletter as well as via our website, social media and mailing list.
• All proposals have to be submitted following the instructions on our website. Reception will be confirmed by e-mail. 
• Additional documentation and information may be requested by Journalismfund.eu.
• References from individuals (editors, publishers, journalists, professors) and/or references to earlier work are essential. Journalismfund.eu reserves the right to contact references (while respecting the confidentiality of the proposal, see below).
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate the feasibility of the project via a credible research plan.
• A basic commitment to take on the product on the part of media in at least two European countries is a prerequisite for the attribution of the work grant requested. You can use our  sample letter. 
• Applications can be turned down on grounds of budget.
• Applicants who once have obtained a research grant, can apply again. However the jury then can include their previous work in the decision about the new grant. 

Practicalities around application and grant

• The applicant(s) must be prepared to give an explanation of his/her/their product in person, if required by the Fund or the Jury.
• Both the Fund and the Jury are bound to strict confidentiality - before, during and after evaluation of the proposals.
• The grantee(s) agree(s) on mentioning the Fund when the journalistic product(s) supported by the grant is (are) published.
• Recipients of a work grant undertake to report regularly to the Fund on the progress of the project.
• The Fund reserves the right to publish in part, in whole or as a reference the final product on its website or in its publications. 
• Grantees accept to present reports of their research and to share their experience with colleagues.