RSF Open Call for Partnership Proposals 2026: Funding for Environmental Journalism, Media Freedom, and Journalist Protection Worldwide

Environmental journalism is becoming increasingly vital in a world facing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, land degradation, and environmental injustice. Yet, journalists reporting on environmental issues continue to face censorship, intimidation, threats, legal pressure, and limited access to public information in many countries.

To address these growing challenges, Reporters Without Borders has launched the Open Call for Partnership Proposals: Environmental Journalism 2026, inviting organizations, media actors, journalist collectives, and civil society networks worldwide to submit innovative projects that strengthen environmental transparency, public-interest journalism, and the protection of environmental journalists.

This funding opportunity is designed to support initiatives that improve access to reliable environmental information, promote accountability in environmental governance, and safeguard journalists covering environmental issues.

The initiative is open globally, with no geographical restrictions, making it a major opportunity for media organizations, advocacy groups, and civil society actors working at the intersection of environmental justice and press freedom.

About the RSF Environmental Journalism Partnership Call 2026

According to RSF, access to environmental information is a fundamental aspect of the right to information. Independent journalism and active civil society engagement are essential for ensuring that environmental information remains accessible, accurate, transparent, and actionable for citizens worldwide.

This open call aims to strengthen:

• Environmental transparency
• Investigative journalism
• Public accountability
• Media freedom
• Journalist safety
• Access to environmental data
• Advocacy around environmental rights and press freedom

The call also seeks to increase visibility for environmental journalism during the COP31 Climate Conference, scheduled to take place in Turkey in November 2026.

Geographical Scope

One of the strongest features of this funding opportunity is its global accessibility.

Applications are welcome from organizations and media actors from all countries and regions worldwide. There are no geographical restrictions attached to this call.

This means organizations from:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• North America
• South America
• Oceania
• The Middle East

can all apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Languages for Submission

Applicants may submit proposals in either:

• English
• French

This bilingual submission process increases accessibility for organizations operating across different regions.

Key Thematic Areas Supported

Projects submitted under this call must align with the mandate of RSF and fall within one or more of the following thematic areas:

1. Advocacy Initiatives

RSF is particularly interested in advocacy-driven projects that strengthen awareness and protections around environmental journalism.

Examples include:

• Campaigns increasing visibility of environmental journalism during COP31 in Turkey
• Advocacy for transparency and open environmental data
• Accountability initiatives targeting policies or laws affecting environmental journalists
• Public campaigns supporting journalists targeted because of their environmental reporting

These advocacy efforts can help create stronger protections for journalists and encourage governments and institutions to improve transparency.

2. Editorial and Investigative Content

The call also supports editorial projects that highlight the challenges faced by environmental journalists and communities.

Supported formats may include:

• Investigative journalism projects
• Reports
• Monitoring initiatives
• Documentaries
• Podcasts
• Community radio programs
• Multimedia storytelling

These projects should focus on issues affecting environmental journalists or environmental transparency within local, national, or regional contexts.

3. Protection and Assistance for Journalists

Environmental journalists often face threats, intimidation, and legal challenges. RSF therefore encourages initiatives that directly support journalist safety and resilience.

Examples include:

• Legal assistance for environmental journalists
• Emergency support mechanisms
• Civil society protection networks
• Support systems for journalists facing restrictions or threats

These initiatives are essential for maintaining independent reporting on environmental issues.

Types of Activities Eligible for Funding

RSF has outlined several types of activities that can receive support under this call:

Investigative and Editorial Projects

Projects producing high-quality public-interest journalism focused on environmental transparency and accountability.

Advocacy Campaigns

Awareness campaigns and policy advocacy initiatives related to environmental journalism and press freedom.

Legal Aid

Programs providing legal defense or support for journalists covering environmental issues.

Environmental Data Platforms and Tools

Development of tools, digital platforms, or systems that improve public access to environmental data and information.

Civil Society Support Networks

Creation or strengthening of networks that support environmental journalists and media actors.

Funding Amount

The maximum eligible budget per proposal is:

€20,000

Organizations should prepare realistic budgets aligned with their proposed activities and implementation plans.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this opportunity, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.

Eligible Applicants Include:

• Registered organizations
• Journalist collectives
• Media networks
• Civil society organizations
• Independent and community media outlets

RSF notes that organizations working nationally or regionally will be preferred.

Important Eligibility Conditions

Applicants must:

• Work with journalists or media actors
• Be registered organizations, collectives, or networks
• Not have received funding support from RSF during the last five years

Exceptions may be considered depending on context.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Environmental journalism is increasingly under pressure globally. Journalists investigating environmental crimes, climate governance, illegal resource exploitation, pollution, or land rights often face:

• Legal harassment
• Violence and intimidation
• Restrictions on access to information
• Political pressure
• Financial constraints

This RSF initiative provides not only financial support but also international recognition and visibility for organizations working to protect media freedom in environmental reporting.

The program also contributes to broader goals related to:

• Climate accountability
• Environmental justice
• Freedom of information
• Human rights
• Democratic governance

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit proposals is:

30 May 2026

Applicants are encouraged to prepare submissions early to avoid last-minute delays.

How to Apply

Interested organizations should submit:

• Proposed activities
• Project proposal form
• Budget template

Applications must be sent via email to:

sverma@rsf.org 

Submissions should include all required templates and supporting information.

Final Thoughts

The RSF Open Call for Partnership Proposals on Environmental Journalism represents an important global funding opportunity for organizations committed to protecting press freedom and advancing environmental transparency.

By supporting investigative journalism, advocacy initiatives, legal assistance, and media protection networks, RSF is helping strengthen the critical role journalists play in environmental accountability and public awareness.

Organizations working in journalism, media freedom, environmental advocacy, and civil society should strongly consider applying before the deadline.

Learn More

• • For more information about this opportunity, Click here
  • More global Grant opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here