Application Deadline:
9 October 2025
About Organisation
Journalismfund Europe vzw is an independent, non-profit intermediary organisation founded in 1998 and headquartered in Brussels. Established by concerned citizens, its mission is to strengthen democracy across Europe by facilitating independent and cross-border investigative journalism. The organisation plays a critical role in connecting donors with journalists and media outlets while safeguarding journalistic independence.
Its core belief is that strong journalism is the cornerstone of democratic societies. Journalismfund Europe is committed to advancing independent, investigative reporting that serves the public interest, promotes transparency, enhances accountability, and stimulates critical thinking and informed public debate.
In response to challenges such as the rise of digitalisation, shifting revenue models, and the internationalisation of political, economic, and criminal power, Journalismfund Europe continues to provide critical support to investigative journalism. Through grants, training, and funding opportunities, it enables journalists and organisations to pursue in-depth stories that might otherwise go untold. By prioritising environmental, cross-border, and thematic journalism, the organisation strengthens the ecosystem of media professionals who are addressing some of today’s most urgent global issues. Journalismfund Europe remains dedicated to ensuring a healthier and more resilient journalism landscape for the future.
About the Grant
The Professional Development Grants for Environmental Journalism are designed to strengthen environmental investigative reporting by supporting enabling activities and services that build capacity across the sector. Unlike grants aimed at individual reporting projects, this facility focuses on collective development—funding training initiatives, skill-focused programmes, and fellowships that help journalists develop expertise in reporting on environmental issues.
By providing funding for professional development, the grant empowers organisations and institutions to design and implement projects that address gaps in environmental journalism, such as specialised training in climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and environmental justice. Projects can include workshops, seminars, mentorship schemes, or fellowship opportunities, all with the shared goal of equipping journalists with advanced skills, knowledge, and networks to cover complex environmental challenges.
The total budget for 2025 is €252,000, with around €84,000 allocated per call. This ensures that multiple organisations benefit from each round of funding. Supported by Arcadia, a charitable fund dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and protecting the environment, the programme demonstrates a strong commitment to capacity building in journalism.
Ultimately, the grant aims to create a ripple effect—strengthening not only individual journalists but also the broader media landscape, enabling stronger public debate and action on environmental issues.
Who can Apply?
Eligibility for the Professional Development Grants for Environmental Journalism is strictly limited to incorporated legal entities, such as organisations, institutions, or companies. These applicants must propose projects designed to collectively strengthen the field of environmental investigative journalism. Eligible activities include professional training programmes, fellowship initiatives, or other capacity-building services aimed at enabling investigative journalists to upskill in reporting environmental issues.
Individuals (natural persons) are not eligible to apply directly for this grant. Instead, the programme is intended for entities that can design and deliver initiatives benefiting groups of journalists rather than single applicants. This ensures that the funding supports wide-reaching capacity-building and fosters collaboration within the journalism community.
Applicants must provide detailed information about their organisation, including structure, mission, and relevant experience in professional development or journalism support. Proposals should clearly outline the intended project, its expected outcomes, and a detailed budget prepared according to the required template.
Collaboration is encouraged—organisations may invite multiple team members to work on the online draft application, making it easier to prepare comprehensive and well-structured submissions. Successful applicants will be those who demonstrate not only the ability to deliver high-quality training or fellowships but also to create sustainable impact across environmental journalism networks.
How to Apply?
Interested organisations must first register online using a valid email address to access the application portal. Applicants can then complete and edit the application form, which includes organisational details, project description, and a detailed budget using the provided template. Drafts can be saved and revised, and multiple collaborators may be invited to contribute. Completed applications must be submitted through the portal before the official deadline.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 9 October 2025, 11:59 PM CET. Late submissions will not be considered. This deadline applies to all applicants under the current call.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, visit grants website here
