Regional Investigative Journalism Grants 2026

• Eligibility: Investigative journalists from the Balkans
• Target Region: Europe (Western Balkans)
• Application Language: Not Specified

The European Fund for the Balkans invites investigative journalists to apply for research grants supporting high-quality investigative reporting across the Western Balkans. Implemented under the Engaged Democracy Initiative, the programme aims to strengthen independent journalism, accountability and public debate by supporting investigations into issues affecting citizens across the region, and encourages journalists to uncover important regional challenges through evidence-based reporting and impactful storytelling. Up to seven grants will be awarded.

Eligibility

• Applications are open to individual journalists and teams of journalists.
• Applicants must be from or report on the Western Balkans region, demonstrate experience in regional reporting, have expertise in the selected investigation topic, and work with a media outlet committed to publishing the investigation.
• Journalists can apply from or report on the following six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
• Applicants must have a media outlet willing to publish the investigation. If the journalist is not employed by the publishing organisation, a formal publishing agreement must be secured before applying.
• Investigative stories should address one or more of the following themes: Environment, including environmental protection, climate challenges, pollution and sustainable development; Public Space, including access to public spaces, urban development, community interests and public resource management; Civic Rights and Activist Rights, including protection of civic freedoms, rights of activists, democratic participation and human rights issues; Decent Work, including labour rights, employment conditions, worker protection and economic inequalities; and Media and Journalism, including media freedom, information access and challenges facing independent journalism.
• Supported projects may last up to six months, with an expected project start date around 15 September 2026.

Requirements

• The main expected output is a long-form investigative article published in digital or print media; projects may also include a series of connected investigative articles, photo essays, data visualisations, audio content, video materials or other multimedia storytelling formats
• Relevance of the investigation, assessed on connection to Western Balkan issues, importance of the selected topic and alignment with programme themes
• Investigative potential, demonstrating originality, ability to uncover new information and clear investigative objectives
• Research methodology, including a realistic research approach, clear methods for collecting information and feasible investigation plans
• Public impact, demonstrating potential to inform audiences, encourage public discussion and promote accountability
• Applicant experience, considering previous investigative journalism work, professional experience and regional reporting expertise
• Funding is distributed in two instalments: 80% (EUR 1,600) after signing the grant agreement, and 20% (EUR 400) after publication of the investigative story

How to Apply

Send your application before the 15th of August, 2026. Apply here.

For more information, please visit this page.