Belgian Bridge aims to foster cross-linguistic collaboration and journalistic excellence while encouraging participating journalists to adopt a participatory approach that centers local voices and knowledge. By supporting investigations that are published simultaneously in media outlets serving both language communities, the programme seeks to create a more unified public conversation about issues affecting all Belgians.
This grant programme is supported by the King Baudouin Foundation and administered by Journalismfund Europe.
What makes Belgian Bridge unique?
Belgian Bridge is specifically designed to address Belgium's unique linguistic landscape by creating structured opportunities for journalists from different language communities to collaborate on investigations of shared importance.
Cross-linguistic collaboration with local impact
Teams must include both Dutch-speaking and French-speaking journalists based in Belgium who work together on investigations that:
- Address issues rooted in local communities with broader national relevance
- Result in publications in at least two Belgian media outlets—one in French and one in Dutch
- Are published in equivalent formats and, ideally, at the same time
Participatory journalism at its core
Belgian Bridge requires a participatory approach that places local communities at the center of the investigation. The local population must be able to express themselves through:
- In-depth interviews
- Community listening sessions
- Public conversations
- Other formats that highlight local knowledge and perspectives
Learning across traditions
Teams are encouraged to reflect on what they hope to learn from each other. Differences in journalistic traditions, reporting cultures, editorial expectations, and audience perspectives can contribute significant added value to the project.
Why this matters
Belgian Bridge recognizes that many issues affecting Belgian communities transcend linguistic boundaries, yet are often reported separately within language-specific media ecosystems. This programme helps:
- Bridge linguistic divides: Create shared understanding of issues affecting all Belgian communities
- Strengthen local journalism: Support in-depth reporting on local issues with national implications
- Amplify community voices: Ensure local populations can contribute their knowledge and perspectives
- Foster professional exchange: Enable journalists to learn from different reporting traditions and approaches
In short, Belgian Bridge goes beyond funding investigations—it creates the conditions for meaningful collaboration across Belgium's language communities and produces journalism that brings people together.
For whom
The grant programme targets Dutch-speaking and French-speaking journalists based in Belgium. Both independent journalists and those affiliated with news outlets are eligible to apply.
Teams must include journalists from both language communities working collaboratively on the same investigation.
What the grant covers
Financial support provided under Belgian Bridge may cover:
- Working time for participating journalists
- Logistics and travel expenses
- Insurance
- Legal assistance
- Access to technology and data sets
- Other project-related expenses
Proposals must include a clear hypothesis, proposed methodology for the journalistic investigation, and a detailed budget.
How to apply
Applicants must submit:
- A hypothesis and methodology for the investigation
- A detailed project budget
- Information demonstrating the participatory approach
- Brief reflection on what team members hope to learn from the cross-linguistic collaboration
- Complete application materials including full addresses, ID, CV, and any required documentation
Important: Applications missing any required information or documents will be considered inadmissible.
For full details on eligibility criteria, evaluation standards, the jury, and grant conditions, please visit our application portal.
Timeline
Join us during an upcoming introductory webinar on Wednesday 21 January 2026 10:00 CET (French) or 15:00 CET (Dutch) to learn more about the project. Save your questions and we'll be happy to answer them!
The first public open call deadline is on Thursday 26 February 2026 13:00 CET (Brussels). The following deadline will be 25 June 2026.
Find further grant information and the application portal
here.
Need help?
We're interested in your ideas and available to answer questions:
- Phone: +32 2 705 59 19
- Email: beb@journalismfund.eu
- Video call: Schedule a consultation
For tips on finding investigative journalists to collaborate with and recommendations on building successful cross-linguistic partnerships, visit our website.
The Belgian Bridge journalism grant programme is supported by the King Baudouin Foundation and administered by Journalismfund Europe.
