This programme supports cross-border teams of professional journalists and/or news outlets investigating issues related to farm animal welfare and European interests, both within and beyond Europe.

Many of the animals raised for our food supply remain largely out of sight of the public. This includes chickens, pigs and cattle, as well as species produced in large-scale breeding systems such as salmon, tilapia, catfish, scampi and sturgeon. The way these animals live, how their production is organised, and the social consequences of this are rarely discussed in detail.

The Invisible Life grant programme will form part of Journalismfund’s Environmental Investigative Journalism Grant programme, to raise awareness, increase transparency and promote well-informed public debate on food and sustainability by supporting journalists. The focus is on the lives and welfare of farmed animals. The programme is NOT intended to promote activism or a single point of view; rather, it seeks to bring together facts, context and diverse perspectives to enrich and better inform public debate.

Supported investigations must result in publications in at least two media outlets based in different countries. At least one of these outlets must be European and target European audiences.

The grant can cover working time and expenses such as logistics, travel, insurance, access to legal support, translations, access to technology and data sets, etc.

Next to financial support, teams can also apply for an experienced mentor to provide assistance with either the focus of the investigation or the need for competences in a specific skill.

DEADLINE: 

Next deadline:

• Thursday 27 August 2026 at 1 pm CET (Brussels time)
• Thursday 29 October 2026 at 1 pm CET (Brussels time)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

CLICK HERE TO APPLY