Local Cross-border Journalism Grants

This grant programme supports local cross-border investigative teams of professional journalists and/or news outlets to bring the locals to the European level as well as to local citizens all over Europe.

Compelling stories can be found everywhere, even at the local level. Unlike other parts of the world, local journalists in some European countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands do not engage in in-depth research or investigative journalism. There are many reasons why the lack of interest among these local journalists to pursue comprehensive projects exist, for example, a lack of funding. This grant programme aims to address the shortage of local journalists and award grants to local investigative and in-depth journalistic projects. The key aspect of this programme is the cross-border collaboration, which will allow interested local journalists and/or media outlets to explore possible solutions using expansive resources. This project also aims to spur more critical thinking about society’s pressing problems, increase the level of debate, and foster civic engagement. The grant can also offer support to preliminary work in the development of new investigative and in-depth projects.

Along with promoting investigative journalism among local cities and/or regions, this project also plans to develop a training programme in various aspects of investigative journalism, local audience engagement, and security as most local journalists lack or have few resources available at their disposal. They may also lack experience with cross-border investigative journalism. The training programmes will include experienced partners with a reputable background and extensive experience in their fields.

The grant can cover working time and expenses such as logistics, travel, insurance, access to legal support, translations, access to technology and data sets, etc.

Along with financial support, teams can also apply for mentorship from an experienced professional with either focus on the investigation or the need for competencies in a specific skill.

Visit the grant programme website at crossborderlocal.eu for additional information.

 

Pre-application meeting: Talk to our project coordinator

• Click here to view the calendar:     TBD

Still unsure about local cross-border topic?

When thinking about a local topic, don't look too far and don't make it too complex. Check out this grant programme's supported project, entitled "Can depopulation in Europe's islands be reversed?" and learn how two local journalists from two different countries collaborated together for a local cross-border story.  

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.

Join our Facebook Group

Do you want to meet other investigative journalists from all over Europe? Interact with them and maybe collaborate with a partner for your next cross-border investigation? Join this growing Facebook community of young and expert investigative journalists. Click here!

Looking for a teammate to collaborate?

Here are some tips on how to find investigative journalists in other countries to team up with.