Call for Proposals: Support for Local Media and CSOs in the Western Balkans

Local media outlets and civil society organizations in the Western Balkans are invited to apply for funding to strengthen journalism, freedom of expression, and access to information. Grants of EUR 15,000–20,000 support projects that promote media pluralism, community-focused reporting, and public trust while addressing key issues like disinformation, hate speech, and journalist safety.

Overview

This initiative supports local media outlets and civil society organizations working to enhance journalism, freedom of expression, and access to information. The program aims to:

• Improve professional capacity for journalists and media institutions

• Promote media pluralism and public trust in local communities

• Empower local actors to produce solution-oriented, community-focused content

The program emphasizes constructive, free-of-charge news content that informs the public, encourages dialogue, and strengthens societal resilience.

Purpose and Objectives

The grant seeks to:

• Support quality journalism and independent reporting

• Address key issues in media and democratic life, including:

  • Democratization and citizen engagement

  • Journalist safety and protection

  • Media and information literacy

  • Disinformation and hate speech

  • Trust in media

• Encourage initiatives on responsible regulation of digital platforms and social media

• Foster community-driven and innovative media projects

Who Is Eligible

Eligible applicants include:

• Legally registered, non-profit local media outlets

• Civil society organizations operating in the media sector

• Based in Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, or Serbia

• Directly responsible for project design and management

Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement and manage the proposed project independently.

Funding Details

• Total program budget: EUR 400,000

• Individual project grants: EUR 15,000–20,000

• Funding supports focused, local-level initiatives that are feasible within the grant period

• Projects may include activities such as education, public awareness campaigns, research, monitoring, collaboration with public institutions, content production, and development of tools/resources

How to Apply

1. Identify a project that strengthens local journalism, freedom of expression, or access to information

2. Ensure your project addresses one or more key thematic areas: journalist safety, media literacy, disinformation, democratic engagement, or societal resilience

3. Prepare a project proposal including:

   • Objectives and expected outcomes

   • Activities and methodology

   • Target audience and community impact

   • Budget and timeline

4. Submit your proposal by the specified deadline through the program’s application portal

5. Await evaluation and funding decision

Why This Grant Matters

This opportunity strengthens local media ecosystems by:

• Supporting community-driven initiatives that respond to local needs

• Enhancing public trust in independent media

• Encouraging innovative approaches to counter disinformation and hate speech

• Building capacity for journalists and media organizations to operate safely and effectively

• Promoting media pluralism and democratic engagement

Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on community impact and local relevance

• Highlight innovative approaches and solution-oriented journalism

• Demonstrate organizational capacity to manage the project

• Include clear, measurable objectives and outcomes

• Ensure the project aligns with program themes such as media literacy, journalist safety, and disinformation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects that are not directly managed by the applicant organization

• Ignoring key thematic areas or community relevance

• Submitting vague or poorly planned budgets and timelines

• Overlooking the importance of public accessibility and free-of-charge content

• Failing to show measurable outcomes or clear impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?

Non-profit local media outlets and civil society organizations legally registered and based in Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, or Serbia.

What is the funding range?

EUR 15,000–20,000 per project, with a total program budget of EUR 400,000.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects addressing journalist safety, media literacy, disinformation, democratic engagement, trust in media, digital platform regulation, or community-driven public-interest content.

Are collaborative projects allowed?

Yes, provided the applicant is directly responsible for project design and management.

Is the content required to be free-of-charge?

Yes, projects must deliver news and media content that is accessible to the public at no cost.

Can international organizations apply?

No, only organizations legally registered and operating in the eligible countries may apply.

How will projects be evaluated?

Based on relevance to program objectives, community impact, feasibility, innovation, and alignment with strengthening local journalism and media pluralism.

Conclusion

This grant provides a valuable opportunity for local media outlets and civil society organizations to strengthen independent journalism, promote access to information, and build community trust. By supporting solution-oriented, locally relevant projects, the initiative fosters resilient media ecosystems and empowers communities across the Western Balkans.