European Local Cross-border Grants

This grant, mentoring and scholarships programme aims at addressing the shortage of local independent journalism by administering grants to local investigative journalistic projects in Europe and stimulating cross-border collaboration.

This programme will:

  • Stimulate local journalists and (small) news outlets to conduct investigative journalism and learn from colleagues in other countries, creating a European network of local (investigative) journalists in the long run.
  • Stimulate local journalists and news outlets to compare with other regions and cities in other countries that face similar problems or challenges, which are eminently European issues.
  • Increase the dissemination, reach and impact of local investigative journalism.

The grant programme will be open for teams of local investigative journalists and/or local media outlets from at least two different European countries who have good ideas for a local cross-border investigation. For example: journalists and/or news outlets from different comparable cities investigate how their cities cope with e.g. housing, waste, tourism, mobility, etc.

The project should be one that, in principle, could not be realised in this format within the remit of regular journalism – a project that can include cross-border research, networking between colleagues, established and innovative investigative methods and that is at the same time original, innovative and intensive.

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 (available from 23 Feb. 2024).

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.

Contact us

For Who
Journalists and Local News Outlets

Local Cross-border teams of at least two professional journalists and/or (local) news outlets can submit a proposal for a journalistic investigation about any issues that concern and relate to Europe. At least 80% of the requested budget should go to journalists/media from EU countries.

How Much
€475,000

In 2024 the total grant budget is €475,000 to distribute over four application rounds (€118,750 per call).

For the period 2024-2025, the programme is co-funded by:

  • The European Union
  • Limelight Foundation
  • Vereniging Veronica
Next deadline
25 April 2024

For this grant programme there are 4 application rounds scheduled in 2024.

  • The first deadline will be Thursday 25 April 2024 at 1pm CET
  • The second deadline will be Thursday 27 June 2024 at 1 pm CEST
  • The third deadline will be Thursday 26 September 2024 at 1 pm CEST
  • The fourth deadline was: Thursday 7 November 2024 at 1 pm CET