EJN Biodiversity Media Grants 2026: Apply by March 28 Deadline
Applications are now open for the EJN Biodiversity Media Grants 2026 from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN). This program offers grants of 10,000-12,000 EUR each to three to four media organizations in low- and middle-income countries. The grants support projects that improve reporting on biodiversity issues. Deadline: March 28, 2026. With today being March 26, only two days remain to apply. This article covers the grant details, eligibility rules, evaluation criteria, and how to submit your application.
EJN’s Biodiversity Media Initiative seeks to raise awareness of threats to biodiversity and the solutions to protect it. The grants will fund projects that create more high-quality biodiversity stories. They also aim to build skills among journalists for better coverage of these topics. EJN plans to support three to four organizations with grants of 10,000-12,000 EUR each. Proposals with smaller budgets tend to stand out more. Larger amounts may go to projects with fresh ideas that need extra time and resources. On top of the money, selected groups will get help from experienced mentors during their work.
Key Takeaways
- EJN offers grants of 10,000-12,000 EUR to three or four media organizations in low- and middle-income countries to boost biodiversity reporting.
- Applications must be submitted by March 28, 2026, with only two days left as of March 26.
- Eligible groups include media outlets and journalist networks in biodiversity-rich areas; proposals must be in English and avoid advocacy.
- Proposals are judged on quality, fit to goals, impact, innovation, budget value, team strength, and regional diversity.
Here are the main eligibility rules:
- Media organizations must be based in countries the World Bank lists as low- or middle-income. EJN favors projects in areas rich in biodiversity or facing heavy losses.
- Journalist networks, media groups, civil society organizations, or academic institutions can apply. Preference goes to those linked to professional journalists, media outlets, or journalism schools.
- No applications focused on advocacy or political campaigns.
- Proposals must be in English only. Applicants need a good grasp of English or a translator to talk with EJN staff.
- Past or current EJN grantees can apply, but not those who got funds in 2025. EJN will review past performance.
- Be open about using generative AI tools in your proposal. EJN may disqualify applicants for unethical conduct, like claiming AI work as their own.
EJN will judge applications on these seven key factors:
- Overall quality of the proposal.
- How well the project fits the program’s goals and priorities.
- Potential impact, including strong project design.
- New and creative activities.
- Financial soundness and value for money.
- The team’s ability to complete the project.
- Spread of grantees across different regions.
To strengthen your proposal, match these criteria closely. For impact, show clear outcomes like the number of stories produced or journalists trained. On cost-effectiveness, break down a sample budget: for example, split funds between training workshops and story production costs to prove smart spending. Highlight any unique ideas, such as new reporting tools, to score on innovation.
Ready to apply? Submit your proposal at the official EJN application page. For full details, check the EJN Biodiversity Media Grants page. All applications must be in English, so have a translator ready if needed. A simple timeline could look like this: apply by March 28, await selection, then start your project with mentor guidance.
Here are quick steps to guide your application:
- Review the evaluation criteria above.
- Shape your proposal around biodiversity reporting needs.
- Build a realistic budget that shows good value.
- Stress any fresh approaches in your project plan.
The EJN Biodiversity Media Grants 2026 provide key funding and support for better biodiversity reporting in low- and middle-income countries. With just days until the March 28 deadline, review the eligibility rules, align your proposal with the evaluation criteria, and submit today. Visit the official EJN page to start your application and help raise awareness on biodiversity threats and solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the EJN Biodiversity Media Grants 2026?
Media organizations, journalist networks, or similar groups based in low- or middle-income countries, especially biodiversity hotspots, can apply if linked to journalists.
What is the application deadline?
All proposals must be submitted by March 28, 2026.
How much funding is available?
Grants range from 10,000 to 12,000 EUR each for three to four selected projects.
What makes a strong proposal?
Focus on high quality, program fit, clear impact, fresh ideas, good budget value, strong team, and regional balance.