In-depth Story Grants on Electoral Integrity and Political Discourse

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) Albania is offering up to three grants for journalists to produce in-depth investigative articles focusing on electoral integrity and political discourse in Albania. This opportunity includes both financial support and mentorship from senior editors to help participants meet BIRN’s professional editorial standards.

This call is part of the project “Evidence-Based Monitoring of Local Public Spending during Electoral Processes”, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Qëndresa Qytetare in partnership with BIRN Albania.

Objectives 

• Misuse of public funds and public administration during elections
• Electoral crimes and law enforcement effectiveness
• Political influence and politicization of the public administration
• Transparency of political party financing
• Involvement of individuals with criminal records in politics
• Hate speech and misuse of AI/social media in political discourse
• Political participation barriers for women and youth

Eligibility Criteria

• Open only to journalists based in Albania
• Must have previous experience covering electoral or political topics
• Can apply individually or in teams
• Must be independent and free of any conflict of interest
• Applicants may submit multiple ideas, but only one proposal per journalist will be selected

Deadline: August 18, 2025

For more information, please click here.