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Freelancer Support Scheme
https://www.investigativejournalismforeu.net/grants/freelancer-support-scheme/
Overview
| Donor: | Investigative Journalism for Europe (IJ4EU) |
| Application procedure: | Online Application |
| Donor base: | Belgium |
| Reference number: | - |
| Eligible applicants: | Individual |
| Deadline: | 13.04.2026 |
Financial details
| Grant size: | Small - up to $100,000 |
| Minimum grant size: | - |
| Total available budget: | - |
| Funding type: | Grants |
| Maximum grant size: | 20.000€ |
| Funding ratio: | up to 100% |
Sectors
- Media & Journalism
Project Locations
Europe
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine
Description
1) Objective
The IJ4EU’s Freelancer Support Scheme is a dedicated initiative providing crucial support to freelance journalists working on cross-border investigations in Europe. The scheme will provide around €400,000 in grants in 2026-27, along with training, mentoring and networking opportunities.
It aims to empower freelance journalists, particularly those operating outside traditional newsroom structures, to undertake investigative projects of significant public interest at local, national, regional, or European levels, in various formats like print, broadcast, online media, and documentary filmmaking.
2) Eligibility
Eligible teams must consist of at least two freelance journalists based in two different European countries that are part of the EU’s Creative Europe Programme. This includes all 27 EU member states and non-EU countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Ukraine. Team members from third countries can participate if the core geographical criteria are met.
3) Location
Eligible countries include all 27 EU member states and the following non-EU countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine.
4) Budget
The scheme provides grants up to €20,000. Grant funding can cover various costs necessary for the development, completion, and publication of the investigation, excluding equipment costs. The payment of grants is made in three installments: 60% upon signing the grant agreement, 20% after a mid-term report, and the remaining 20% following the submission of a final report.
5) Application
The deadline for grant applications is April 13, 2026.