EJN Story Grants 2026: Funding for In-Depth Reporting on Climate Change and the Private Sector in Indonesia

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is inviting applications from journalists in Indonesia for its 2026 Story Grants, aimed at strengthening investigative and solutions-oriented reporting on climate change and the private sector. With Indonesia facing intensifying climate impacts and growing scrutiny over its climate commitments, these grants support journalists in producing rigorous and impactful stories that drive public understanding and policy conversation. Applications are open until February 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Asia/Jakarta).

EJN 2026 Story Grants Overview

The grants are part of EJN’s Business and Climate Media Initiative (BCMI), which seeks to enhance coverage of private sector contributions to climate change, as well as their potential roles in mitigation, adaptation, and financing innovative solutions. The initiative responds to mounting concerns over private sector influence in climate negotiations.
Indonesia received the “Fossil of the Day” award at COP30, a spotlight on fossil fuel lobbying within national climate processes and a reminder of the country’s challenges in meeting its climate targets.

With Indonesia experiencing erratic weather patterns, severe storms, coastal erosion, and a persistent plastic waste crisis, journalists play a crucial role in examining the gaps between policy, finance, and corporate action. Between 2015 and 2021, only 2.6% of the country’s USD 20.77 billion private investment aligned with climate objectives — a concerning gap that requires deeper investigation and public scrutiny.

Grant Details

EJN will award up to 10 grants, each worth up to 1,800 EUR, to support the production of high-quality stories. Selected journalists will receive mentorship throughout the reporting and writing process. Grants are expected to be issued in March 2026, with all stories to be published by June 2026.

Themes

Applicants are encouraged to pitch stories that explore:

• Alternative climate financing models such as blended finance and green or sustainability bonds
• Carbon trading and the dynamics of blue and green carbon markets
• Greenwashing practices within private companies
• Effectiveness and limitations of ESG frameworks
• Impacts of extractive industries and mining alternatives
• New business opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, waste management, transport and shipping
• Locally driven or innovative private sector solutions to climate challenges
• The potential and limitations of rare earth materials, renewable energy and clean mobility

Proposals with a solutions journalism angle are especially encouraged. Stories examining links between business activity, deforestation, and the December 2025 disasters in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra will receive particular attention.

Eligibility

Applications are open to Indonesian journalists working in any medium—print, radio, television, digital, or community media. Freelancers and early-career reporters are welcome to apply, as are groups of journalists submitting under a single lead applicant.
Applications must be submitted in English or Bahasa Indonesia. Applicants must be transparent about any use of generative AI tools.

Logistics and Budget

Applicants must submit a detailed budget using the provided template, with a general ceiling of USD 650. Budgets should reflect essential reporting costs such as travel and accommodation. Freelancers may include a stipend, but it must not exceed 30% of the budget.
Security-related costs are allowed, as EJN encourages applicants to prepare robust safety plans for physical, digital, and mental health considerations.

Stories may be published in any language, but an English translation must be included, with translation costs reflected in the budget if needed. Grant recipients must include the tagline:
“This story was produced with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.”

Judging Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance and clarity of the story’s importance
• Novelty of the angle or investigative depth
• Potential reach and accessibility of the chosen outlet
• Expected impact on public debate or policy discourse
• Use of innovative storytelling or multimedia
• Feasibility and commitment to publication by May 31, 2026, supported by an editor’s letter

Application Process

Applicants must create or log into an account on EJN’s website, complete the online application, and upload the required documents:

• Detailed budget
• Editor’s letter of support
• Two samples of published work

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Application can be accessed from here.

To know more about such opportunities, click here.