New fund to support EU investigative journalism launched

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A fund of up to €450,000 to support cross-border investigative journalism in the European Union was launched on 19 March 2018 by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

The Investigative Journalism for Europe (#IJ4EU) fund is intended to foster and strengthen collaboration among European Union-based journalists and newsrooms on revelations in the public interest and of cross-border significance. The fund aims to support investigations that reflect the media’s watchdog role and that assist the public in holding those in power accountable for their actions and to their obligations. In so doing, it seeks to contribute to the sustainability of democracy and the rule of law in the EU.

The fund will be managed by IPI, a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists defending press freedom.

In 2018 cross-border teams of investigative reporters and/or media outlets based in at least two EU countries can apply for grants up to a maximum of €50,000 to produce investigations on a topic of cross-border relevance and of public interest.

Proposed projects must aim to reveal new information. Investigative teams already in existence or formed for an #IJ4EU project are equally welcome to apply. Ongoing but incomplete investigations are eligible to apply for funds to complete a publishable story. Teams of journalists or media outlets based outside of the capitals or largest cities or in countries where investigative journalism is at particular risk are especially encouraged to apply.

The programme will consider funding all platforms, including print, broadcast, online media, documentary filmmaking and multi-platform story-telling.

To be eligible for funding, proposed projects must aim to be published (and available in publishable form) by respected news outlets or platforms in at least two EU countries no later than December 31, 2018.

The deadline for applications is May 3, 2018, which also marks World Press Freedom Day. Applications must be submitted in English. Applicants will need to provide a detailed project description, information on the investigative team, a research and publication plan, a budget, and a risk assessment.

An independent jury will select the projects to be funded, with the aim of concluding agreements with all successful applicants by June 15, 2018.

To apply and to read full information about eligibility, applications and the selection process, please visit the fund’s website: http://www.ij4eu.net/

“Investigative journalism, which performs an essential service in any functioning democracy, is under pressure across the EU”, IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi said. “Providing financial support to investigative projects is a way of helping ensure that information on issues such as corruption, financial crime, human rights abuses and environmental damage reaches the public.”

She added: “As such investigations are nowadays rarely confined to a single state, it is critical for teams of journalists to work across borders on issues. We are proud that #IJ4EU will provide an opportunity do so.”

For any questions, please contact:

Javier Luque
Head of Digital Media
IPI
Email: jluque@ipi.media
Tel.: +43 1 5129011