Grant: €2,000 gross per application (up to 7 grants)
Payment: 80% on signing · 20% on publication
Host: European Fund for the Balkans — Engaged Democracy Initiative (EDI)
Eligibility: Journalists from or reporting on WB6 countries
Duration: Up to 6 months · Start ~September 15, 2026
Topics: Environment · Public Space · Civic Rights · Decent Work · Media
apply-url: https://www.balkanfund.org/applications/regional-investigative-journalism-grants-2026
The European Fund for the Balkans is offering €2,000 research grants to investigative journalists from the Western Balkans who want to dig deeper into the region's most pressing issues. Up to seven grants are available under the Engaged Democracy Initiative (EDI) — a programme that treats accountability journalism as a core pillar of democratic health across Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Each grant covers up to six months of reporting. EFB has no editorial influence over your story — your angle, your outlet, full independence guaranteed.
What the Grant Covers
- Amount: €2,000 gross per application
- Payment: €1,600 (80%) on signing the grant agreement; €400 (20%) on publication
- Eligible costs: Honoraria, research, travel, and production costs directly tied to the investigation
- Duration: Maximum 6 months — expected start around September 15, 2026
- Output: A long-read investigative piece, a connected series, or multimedia content (photo essays, data visualisations, audio/video)
Who Can Apply
- Journalists from or reporting on Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia
- Individuals or teams of up to three journalists (one lead applicant required)
- Proven experience in regional reporting and thematic expertise in at least one EDI topic
- Must have a media outlet confirmed to publish — freelancers need a signed publishing agreement before applying
- Story must not yet be in final editorial production at time of application
- One application per applicant or team (duplicate submissions are disqualified)
Thematic Areas
Your investigation must fall within one of the five EDI themes:
- Environment
- Public Space
- Civic Rights / Rights of Activists
- Decent Work
- Media
Cross-border stories covering more than one WB6 country are strongly encouraged and scored more favourably during evaluation.
Evaluation Criteria
- Relevance of the proposed story (20%) — addresses a concrete WB6 issue within the five EDI themes
- Originality and investigative potential (25%) — uncovers new information or exposes wrongdoing not previously reported
- Feasibility and clarity of methodology (20%) — realistic plan with identified sources, data, and access points
- Impact and audience engagement (20%) — clear distribution plan with potential for public debate or accountability
- Professional experience and track record (15%) — relevant investigative journalism experience in the WB region
Each criterion is scored 1–10 and weighted as shown above.
Key FAQs
Does EFB have editorial influence over the story?
No. Editorial independence is a core principle. EFB will not review, edit, or approve your content before publication. The grant agreement requires an acknowledgment of EFB support, but the editorial line stays entirely with you and your outlet.
Can I apply for a story already in progress?
Yes — stories in early research phase are eligible. The grant does not cover work already completed or published, and the investigation must not yet be in final editorial production when you apply.
When will I hear back?
EFB aims to notify all applicants within six weeks of the August 15 deadline. Individual feedback is not provided to unsuccessful applicants.
How to Apply
Submit your application via the online form on the EFB website before August 15, 2026. Team applications must designate one lead applicant. Freelancers must confirm their publishing outlet before submitting.