International Press Institute - Investigative Journalism for Europe (IJ4EU) Freelancer Support Scheme 2026 (With up to €20,000 in Funding)

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About International Press Institute IJ4EU Freelancer Support Scheme

The Freelancer Support Scheme is part of IJ4EU (Investigative Journalism for Europe) and is designed specifically for freelance journalists working outside traditional newsroom structures.The programme is managed by the European Journalism Centre and supports investigative projects with strong cross-border relevance and clear public-interest value.

• Sponsor Organisation: International Press Institute

Benefits of International Press Institute IJ4EU Freelancer Support Scheme

• Maximum Grant: €20,000

• Mentorship and training

Each awarded team will work with one or more carefully selected mentors according to how their needs evolve as they proceed with their projects. Teams can decide which team members will communicate with the mentor(s) throughout the programme. In addition to the mentoring programme, the EJC will organise online expert calls (“Ask Me Anything” sessions) with specialists to allow grantees of the scheme to gain knowledge and improve their skills in fields relevant to investigative journalism.

• Networking

In addition to the in-person networking opportunities for all IJ4EU grantees provided by the programme,  EJC will organise a half-day online event bringing together each awarded cohort of the Freelancer Support Scheme at the start of their projects. These online events will be in a format that encourages active participation from grantees, allowing them to align their expectations and fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.

International Press Institute IJ4EU Freelancer Support Scheme Requirements

• To be eligible for the Freelancer Support Scheme, applications must be submitted by teams composed of at least two freelance journalists that meet the following criteria:
• Teams must have members based in at least two European countries that have signed up to the full cross-sectoral strand of the European Union’s Creative Europe Programme, which provides core funding for IJ4EU.
• Eligible countries include all 27 EU member states and the following non-EU countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine.
• Eligibility is based on residency (where you live and work) and not nationality (citizenship).
• Team members based in countries anywhere else in the world are welcome to take part, but they must be part of teams that fulfil the core geographical criteria described above. In other words, they must be part of teams with members based in at least two participating Creative Europe countries in Europe.

Publication Requirements

• Projects must aim for publication in respected media outlets or platforms in at least two Creative Europe countries.

• Initial publication behind a paywall is allowed, provided free access is granted after one month.

• Published work must acknowledge IJ4EU support.

Application Date and Process

• Click on the link to the application website to apply.

Application Deadline

13 April, 2026

Opportunity Application

View details of International Press Institute IJ4EU Freelancer Support Scheme

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