REFLEKT is Switzerland’s first independent nonprofit investigative newsroom and a member of the Global Investigative Journalism Network GIJN. Our award-winning team is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice through in-depth investigative reporting. By publishing our investigations in collaboration with larger media outlets domestically and abroad, we reach a wide audience and drive meaningful impact on public discourse.
Through our new grant, we aim to collaborate with journalists to support cross-border investigations of crucial relevance to Switzerland.
Who should apply?
Both freelancers and media organizations are welcome to apply. The investigation should:
- aim to uncover systemic issues, public wrongdoings, or situations that have a significant impact on public well-being, safety or the economy.
- involve Swiss entities — such as companies, government bodies, or other Swiss players — making it directly relevant to Switzerland’s political, social, or economic landscape.
- be rooted in significant evidence, with the potential to generate a meaningful impact and/or create public dialogue.
A single project will be selected for funding, with a grant of up to $8’000 (including expenses). In exceptional cases, the grant amount may be increased as the investigation develops.
The selected journalist(s) will work closely with REFLEKT to carry out the investigation, which may result in an article and video/audio report published by REFLEKT and potentially other media organizations.
All proposals will be treated confidentially. We guarantee that no information will be used for any other purpose or passed on to third parties. In case that more than one proposal meets our expectations, we will reach out to discuss further possibilities.
How to apply?
Proposals can be submitted via email to crossborder@reflekt.ch (PGP encryption recommended for sensitive topics) until March 31, 2025. To apply, submit a written proposal (maximum two pages) including the following details:
- Investigative hypothesis or issue you intend to explore
- Explanation why your investigation is relevant (to Switzerland and in general)
- General description of the topic, contextual information
- Overview of anecdotes, data, documents, etc. you have already gathered
- Best-case outcome and potential impact of the investigation
- Approach and methodology for conducting further research, including sources and tools you plan to use
- Estimated time and resources required to complete the project (other grants awarded to the project must be mentioned)
Please include your contact information, along with work samples and/or previous work experience in the field of investigative journalism.
If you have any questions, please contact Christian Zeier, REFLEKT’s editor-in-chief at christian.zeier@reflekt.ch.
