Media Forward Fund
Transnational funding pool for public-interest journalism in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with three calls per year and opportunities for (re-)application.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Strengthening diversity in public-interest journalism and promoting independent, long-term, and sustainably funded media organizations to consolidate democratic structures.
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Media organization with a public interest focus
- Located in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland
Evaluation criteria
- Innovation potential of the business model
- Quality and relevance of journalism
- Sustainability of financing
Description
Since July 2024, the transnational Media Forward Fund has been supporting public-interest journalism in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It was endowed with nine million euros by several foundations and partners and aims to strengthen the diversity of trustworthy, independent media. Independent media organizations and journalist teams based in the three countries can apply for grants with innovative business models and long-term financing strategies. An independent jury evaluates projects based on innovation potential, editorial quality, and sustainability of financing, thereby reinforcing democratic structures and making the media landscape more resilient.
The fund issues three calls per year, with the possibility of reapplication. Grants of up to €400,000 are awarded per medium, complemented by coaching, capacity building, and training. Supported are ventures that open up new distribution channels, expand subscriber and membership models, and reach target groups that have so far been underserved. The next application round starts in March 2025 and offers informational events on the application process. Media organizations with a public-interest focus thus have the opportunity to secure their editorial independence through sustainable financing approaches and thereby contribute to strong, diverse journalism in Europe.
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