Deadline: 22-Aug-2025
The Media Forward Fund supports media organizations working for the common good that aim to improve their financial sustainability through a specific project. It focuses on closing gaps in reporting, particularly with approaches that differ from existing practices in the DACH region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—or in the applicant’s own market. Priority is given to organizations serving audiences that have been historically underserved by news media.
For small non-profit media organizations, the fund generally provides organizational funding of up to 400,000 euros over two years, including non-project-related costs. Small for-profit media organizations serving the common good can also receive up to 400,000 euros over two years for project funding. Large media organizations, whether non-profit or for-profit, are eligible if they co-finance projects on a 50:50 basis, typically receiving 200,000 euros over two years. Large outlets are defined as having more than 30 full-time equivalent employees.
To qualify, an organization must be headquartered in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland and serve the common good by producing revenue with the aim of strengthening journalism’s role in public education and democracy. It must operate under recognized journalistic standards and adhere to its country’s press code. Applicants must already have a proven business model serving the common good, demonstrate proof-of-concept, show product/market fit, and generate revenue from multiple sources, primarily in the DACH region. Projects must focus on growing revenue sources that serve the common good rather than simply maintaining existing operations.
The fund does not award grants to schools, universities, public research institutes, public service media, interest groups, sole proprietors, partnerships, service or technology providers, platforms that mainly curate third-party content, PR or news agencies, or production companies without innovative approaches. It also excludes organizations or projects still in the concept or startup stage.
For more information, visit Media Forward Fund.