Journalismfund.eu offers the Pascal Decroos Fund for Investigative Journalism, aimed at supporting both new and experienced journalists in publishing original, innovative, and in-depth research projects in Dutch-language media in Belgium. Funded by the Flemish Government, the program provides working grants for investigative journalism, enabling journalists to tackle time-consuming, complex topics that go beyond routine reporting.

Key Details

• Organizer: Journalismfund.eu
• Funded by: Flemish Government
• Eligible Countries: Open to all
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female

Application Deadlines (2025):

1. 6 February (1 PM CET)
2. 15 May (1 PM CEST)
3. 21 August (1 PM CEST)
4. 13 November (1 PM CET)

Result Notification:

Decisions announced 40 days after the application deadline.

Grant Types

1. Investigative Journalism: Supports journalists to deeply focus on a single topic over an extended period.
2. In-depth Journalism: For projects that are unique and surpass routine news coverage, offering an original approach to important issues.
3. Preliminary Research: Covers initial research expenses when the project outcome is uncertain.

Grant Amount and Coverage

In 2025, €280,000 will be distributed across four application rounds, with approximately €70,000 per round, covering:

• Travel and visa costs
• Accommodation
• Translation and fixers
• Access to paid databases, FOI requests, legal screening
• Research time (for freelance journalists)

What Is Not Covered:

• Equipment (e.g., IT, cameras)
• Office costs
• Production expenses
• Food and beverages
• Per diems

Applicants must attach a detailed budget using the provided template.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

1. Be professional journalists (beginners or experienced) able to create projects with significant news value and societal impact.
2. Be natural persons (not organizations).
3. Demonstrate journalistic expertise or intent, supported by references or past work.
4. Publish their project in a Dutch-language medium in Belgium, with a letter of intent from a professional news outlet.
5. Ensure the project is relevant to Flanders, covering forgotten stories or addressing societal challenges.

Eligible Media Formats:

• Newspaper and magazine articles
• Radio and television documentaries/series
• Photo-reportages, podcasts, and journalistic non-fiction books

Selection Process and Criteria

The selection process involves:

1. Formal checks by Journalismfund.eu (1 week post-deadline).
2. Review by an independent jury, with decisions announced within 40 days.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Added value compared to mainstream coverage
• Societal relevance
• Originality and innovation
• Feasibility and daringness
• Newsworthiness and time commitment
• Applicant’s experience and project saleability

Required Documents

Applicants must provide:

1. Copy of ID or passport (for Belgian residents)
2. CV
3. Letter(s) of intent from Dutch-language media outlets in Belgium
4. Budget template

How to Apply

1. Read the grant details carefully.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Provide personal information, project details, dissemination plan, and a detailed budget.
4. Submit the application before the relevant deadline.

Apply Now

Grant Condition

These are the highlighted points of the grant:

• Every grantee signs an agreement with Journalismfund. eu outlining the mutual agreements and terms.
• Grants are distributed in two installments: the first (2/3) upon signing the Agreement and the second (1/3) after the project is published and the supporting documents for the expenses are submitted.
• Grants are issued in euros. They can only be withdrawn from bank accounts, not other money transfer services. Except for exchange rates, Journalismfund. eu bears all bank charges for international payments.
• Any journalistic product produced due to the supported project must explicitly mention Journalismfund. EU’s support.
• Throughout the term of this Agreement, the Grantee and all other people involved in the project must support the principles of the Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists and any applicable national codes of ethics.

You can read more about JournalismFund Europe Grants for Science Journalists on the official website of JournalismFund Europe.