Call: Grants for investigations on the impact of AI or development of AI tools

Three grants, each worth 5,000 EUR, will be awarded to teams of journalists and/or technical professionals to produce quality investigative journalism or an AI tool that would assist journalists in investigative efforts. 

Collaborative investigations should enhance understanding of AI technology and its impact on society, including:

• AI as a technology 
• Political power and agenda behind AI 
• Accountability of AI companies  
• Environmental Impact of AI 
• AI and Human Rights 
• AI and Human Psychology

AI tools developed as part of the grant should enhance investigative efforts or develop solutions to combat misinformation using AI. In both cases, teams should be led by journalists or media professionals. 

This open call for applications is part of the Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI). Independent European media organisations, as well as staff and freelance journalists and technical professionals residing in the EU and working with these media are encouraged to apply for grants. We also welcome applications from journalists from Ukraine, Belarus, or Russia, who are currently legally residing in the EU. Composite teams that involve non-journalists (for example, IT professionals) will be given priority.

We expect to award up to 3 grants, each worth up to 5,000 EUR.

Grant coverage

Grants can fund:

• Freelance fees
• Travel, accommodation, subsistence
• Graphics, design, visualisation
• Equipment rental for production and post-production
• Translations for wider reach
• Technical support

Grants do not cover:

• Staff journalists' salaries
• Pre-grant costs or previously published work
• Indirect costs (overheads)
• Equipment or general-purpose software purchases
• Office and rent
• Unethical or illegal activities

Aside from financial support, team members will benefit from mentorship and guidance throughout the grant period, access to CIJI’s community of media hubs and partners and attendance at CIJI’s final AI and Journalism Lab.  

Who can apply?

Cross-border teams of independent European media organisations, freelance and/or staff journalists with a proven track record in cross-border investigative journalism or teams of journalists and technical professionals with relevant professional experience. 

Teams should be composed of at least two journalists/or two media organisations residing in two different European countries that are part of the full cross-sectoral strand of the European Union’s Creative Europe Programme. 

Journalists from Ukraine, Belarus, or Russia, who are currently legally residing within the EU due to the war in Ukraine or media censorship in Belarus and Russia, are also eligible to apply.

EU countries

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden

Non-EU participating countries eligible in the creative Europe programme

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine

Admissibility criteria

Story relevance to at least two EU countries, or one EU country and Ukraine, Belarus, or Russia. Wider dissemination is possible and encouraged.

Prior discussion with and potential publication in at least two EU-based media outlets, evidenced by letters of commitment.

The story should be published by at least two media outlets from the countries where the story narrative unfolds, to engage their local or national audiences.

How to apply 

Complete the application form by December 31, 2026, 23:59 CEST.

Submit a project budget using this template:

Only applications received through this online form will be considered.

Applications must be in English and will be judged on content quality, not English proficiency.

Selection criteria 

The jury will evaluate applications to work on investigations based on:

• Editorial Quality: Under-reported topics, fresh perspectives, evidence-backed or solution-oriented approaches.
• Story Relevance: Timeliness, local, national, regional, or European importance, cross-border relevance.
• Reach and Impact: Audience engagement potential, suitable format, publication plan, desired impact.
• Project Feasibility: Realistic timeline, budget, risk assessment, and mitigation.
• Applicants’ Experience: Team's ability to execute the project.

Additionally, the jury will ensure balance across target countries and story themes.

The jury will evaluate applications to develop AI tools based on:

• Innovation: originality of the proposed solution or ability to address a clearly identified disinformation challenge.
• Technical Feasibility: validity of the proposed technical approach, realistic development timeline and budget, and clarity of implementation plan.
• Utility: ability to deliver reliable and relevant results; usability and scalability.
• Responsible use of technology: appropriate use of the chosen technology to address the identified challenge
• Applicant’s qualification and experience: Team's ability to execute the project.

Timeline

December 31, 2026 (23:59 CEST): Application deadline

January 2027: Selection process

January 2027: Winners contacted

February 2027: Grants start, first instalments disbursed

February - September 2027: Grant period (research, production, publication)

September 2027: Final reporting (narrative & financial) 

October 2027: Final grant disbursement based on positive evaluation

Financial guidelines

Documentation: All costs must be documented with receipts and invoices. Records must be kept for seven years and available upon request.

Taxes and Dues: Grantees are responsible for all taxes and dues related to the grant.

Reporting: Narrative and financial reports are due in September 2027. Templates will be provided.

Grant agreements and fund disbursement

Grants cover February to September 2027. Payments are made in two instalments: 80% upon signing the agreement, and 20% upon project completion and positive evaluation.

Grantee expectations

Maintain regular communication with FPU and mentors.

Promptly report any major developments affecting the project.

About Free Press Unlimited

Free Press Unlimited is an international press freedom organisation that supports media and journalists worldwide. With over 300 local media partners in more than 50 countries, Free Press Unlimited works to make independent news and information available to everyone.

About the Project

This call is part of the “Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative” (CIJI), aimed at supporting independent media and journalists through resources, networking, and standards-based methods for high-quality, ethical journalism. CIJI is conducted in partnership with Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Tactical Tech (TT), Free Press Unlimited, Fundacja Reporterów (FR), OBC Transeuropa (OBCT), and Delfi. 

For questions, contact us at elskamp@freepressunlimited.org .

If you’d like to be informed about future opportunities from CIJI, subscribe to our newsletter.

This project is funded by the European Union.

Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.