Travel Scholarship of the Karl Gerold Foundation

The Karl-Gerold-Foundation provides a travel grant that supports young journalists in independently conceived travel and research projects within Germany, with a focus on Europe. Funding amounts typically up to EUR 2,000 (in exceptional cases up to EUR 3,000) are granted exclusively to cover travel expenses, enabling innovative questions and unbiased observations on site. The call is aimed at trainees and young journalists within the first three professional years after completing their traineeship, as well as freelance journalists within their first five professional years. Evaluation criteria particularly include the level of innovation and originality of the travel concept, the thematic depth of the journalistic inquiry, and openness to exploratory observations along the travel route.

Applications must be submitted in writing by post by the deadlines at the end of February and the end of August and include an informal funding application with a structured exposé and a brief project summary (maximum one page). Additionally, a tabular CV, photograph, bank details, and copies of previous publications must be provided; if employed, a consent declaration from the employer may be required. The exposé structure includes a concise title, initial situation, research questions, planned route including timeframe, potential interview partners, and a detailed cost estimate. The jury of experts decides on the awarding of the grants based on these documents, placing special emphasis on the professional added value and the practical feasibility of the project idea.