European Local Cross-border Grants

This grant, mentoring and scholarships programme aims to address the shortage of local independent journalism by providing grants to cross-border collaborative investigations focusing on localised issues in Europe.

This programme:

• Stimulates local journalists and news outlets to conduct investigative journalism by fostering collaboration with and learning from colleagues in other countries, 
• Supports journalists and news outlets to focus on localised issues, at the level of cities, regions, or specific types of areas in different countries that face similar problems.
• Increases the dissemination, reach and impact of locally-focused investigative journalism.

The grant programme is open for teams of local investigative journalists and/or local media outlets from at least two different European countries who have incisive ideas for cross-border investigations looking at problems, and/or existing solutions to them, at a sub-national scale.

For example, the reporting can dive into how two different cities cope with issues such as housing, waste, tourism, mobility, etc.

The project should be one that, in principle, could not be realised within the remit of journalists or media outlets’ regular journalism activities. The proposed reporting’s subject should be original, combined with rigorous and innovative investigative methods, as well as a solid relationship between the team of applicants.

Financial support

For the European Cross-Border grants (2024-2025), Journalismfund Europe received support from The European Union, Vereniging Veronica and Limelight Foundation.
Journalists and independent media outlets are eligible to apply. At least 80% of your requested budget should go to journalists/media based in the European Union.
An independent jury of four decides who gets a grant. Here's how the jury works.
Find stories subsidised by this grant programme here.

More info and applications

To apply or to learn more about the eligibility and assessment criteria, timing, jury and grant conditions, visit our application portal.

Need help?

Take a look at our FAQ. Next, we're always happy to discuss your project ideas or to answer any questions you might have about your application. So don't hesitate to contact us via phone or mail, or to make an appointment for a video call.