The International Press Institute (IPI), the world’s oldest press freedom organisation, will offer all past and present IJ4EU grantees free membership of its global network of editors, media executives and prominent journalists.

IPI, which leads the consortium of organisations managing the Investigative Journalism for Europe (IJ4EU) fund, will provide complimentary membership for a year as part of its overall package of support to cross-border investigative journalism.

“Investigative journalism can at times be challenging and dangerous work, and having the support and solidarity of colleagues via the global network offers comfort and security,” Jacqui Park, IPI’s head of network strategy and innovation, said.

“IPI’s work on monitoring, reporting and advocacy is top-notch and helps safeguard press freedom and the conditions necessary for good journalism, both in individual cases and more broadly on a policy level.”

Park added that IPI was committed to helping media “find pathways to sustainability and maximum effectiveness, through our research, training, peer-to-peer networking and mentorship”.


Like-minded professionals

By joining IPI, grantees will have direct access to a network of like-minded media professionals from nearly 100 countries. Members share their contact details to facilitate networking and exchange of information all over the world.

Members can also play a role in shaping IPI. All members have voting rights and can participate at the IPI General Assembly.

Other member benefits include:

  • An IPI photo membership card
  • Access to legal, technical and institutional support, including advocacy support when in need
  • First taste of IPI publications, news and press releases, including priority access to interviews
  • Participation in IPI’s Facebook group for members
  • Early-bird invitations to IPI events, from expert meetings to conferences and film festivals
  • Networking and skill-sharing opportunities through programmes and events
  • Direct participation in IPI’s media freedom activities, including helping define the network’s advocacy priorities, campaigns, research and monitoring work

By the end of 2021, the IJ4EU fund will have disbursed more than €2.5 million in grants to high-impact, cross-border projects over its three years in existence, helping hundreds of journalists cover transnational subjects in the public interest.

Team members from any cohort of IJ4EU grantees will be eligible for IPI’s offer of free membership for 12 months. After a year, IJ4EU grantees will benefit from a heavily discounted rate of €50 should they wish to continue their IPI membership. Regular membership is normally €150 a year.

IJ4EU grantees should download, complete and return this form to access free IPI membership for a year.