#SustainMedia PROGRAM

Call for Project Proposals for Independent Media Organisations

Media Development for Democracy Resilience

Deadline for Applications November 8th, 2026

1. Background

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in collaboration with DW Akademie, is implementing the regional media assistance programme #SustainMedia: Support to Media Freedom and Pluralism in the Western Balkans, funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Independent media organisations across the Western Balkans operate in an increasingly challenging media environment characterised by financial pressures, changing audience behaviors, technological developments and increasing competition for public attention and trust. Sustain Media Programme aims to support independent media organisations to strengthen their long-term sustainability, organisational resilience and capacity to adapt to a changing media environment. The Programme provides a combination of financial support, tailor-made professional assistance and capacity-building opportunities to support media organisations in developing sustainable business models, strengthening organisational capacities, fostering innovation, improving the quality of journalism and reaching and engaging diverse audiences.

Through this Call for Proposals, GIZ invites independent media organisations, national and local media outlets, and other eligible media actors operating in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo^*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) to apply for grant support under one of the two LOTs described below.

2. Purpose of the Call

The Call aims to strengthen the sustainability, resilience and innovation of independent media organisations in the Western Balkans, while safeguarding the quality of journalism and enhancing their public interest reporting and overall journalistic impact.

Applicants may choose between two distinct funding Lots, depending on the primary objective and nature of their proposed intervention:

LOT 1 - Media Business Development

This Lot will provide financial and expertise support to independent media outlets to strengthen their organizational resilience and economic sustainability, through fostering their media business model, diversifying their revenues and expanding their audiences.

LOT 2 - Thematic Journalism, Content and Audience Development

This Lot will support independent media outlets to produce and publish high-quality and evidence-based journalism, develop innovative formats and audience engagement approaches, while fostering collaboration with civil society actors and their actions, around one or more of the proposed priority thematic areas.

Applicants may submit only one application under this Call, either under Lot 1 or Lot 2.

The two funding tracks are differentiated by the nature of the proposed intervention, and not by the size, geographical scope or level of development of the applicant organisation.

3. Funding Lots

LOT 1 - Media Business Development

Approximate number of grants: 10

Maximum grant amount: EUR 70,000

Maximum project duration: 24 months

Objective

The goal of LOT 1 is to support independent media organisations in strengthening their long-term financial, organisational and operational sustainability, while safeguarding the quality and impact of their reporting for the public interest. The support is intended to enable media organisations to strengthen their capacities, diversify their revenue sources, improve organisational efficiency, respond to technological developments and audience trends, and to foster sustainable business models.

The Call will support media organizations to:

• develop, test or further implement innovative and sustainable business models;
• diversify and strengthen revenue streams and reduce dependence on individual funding sources;
• develop and implement audience reach and engagement strategies;
• introduce or further develop innovative media products, formats and services;
• improve digital systems, workflows and organisational processes;
• strengthen internal organisational structures and operational efficiency;
• introduce or upgrade relevant software, systems and digital tools;
• develop strategic partnerships with other media organisations, technology providers and actors from the digital ecosystem.

Focus Areas

Proposals may address one or more of the following areas:

1. Business Innovation and Audience Development

• implementation or consolidation of business models identified, designed or tested previously;
• development of new revenue streams, including subscriptions, memberships, crowdfunding, premium content, events, training services, web-shops and specialised media or multimedia services;
• development and scaling of innovative media products and content formats;
• audience analytics and audience engagement strategies;
• development of digital tools and processes to enhance audience reach and engagement;
• development of new products and services responding to changing audience needs and media consumption patterns.

2. Digital Transformation and Organisational Development

• digitalisation of organisational and editorial workflows;
• cross-platform content publication, distribution and promotion;
• introduction or improvement of digital publishing and content management systems;
• organisational restructuring aimed at improving efficiency and resilience;
• upgrading relevant software, systems and digital infrastructure;
• strengthening staff capacities and digital skills;
• introduction of appropriate digital solutions to improve internal processes and media production.

3. Media Collaboration and Partnerships

• joint production, shared resources or services and collaborative media initiatives;
• joint hubs, networks or other forms of cooperation;
• cross-border cooperation between media organisations;
• partnerships with technology and digital ecosystem actors;
• development of collaborative business models and revenue-generating initiatives;
• establishment or consolidation of networks or coalitions of media organisations working towards common objectives.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how proposed activities and partnerships will contribute to the organisation's longer-term sustainability and resilience.

Selected media partners will receive both financial and expertise support (tailored mentorship and capacity building opportunities), to develop and consolidate their business development strategies, focusing on innovative business models, digital transformation, audience growth, increase and diversify revenues, and collaborative approaches that can strengthen their role in the public interest media ecosystem.

LOT 2 - Thematic Journalism, Content and Audience Development

Approximate number of grants: 15

Maximum grant amount: EUR 20,000

Maximum project duration: 12 months

Objective

The objective of this Lot is to support independent media outlets in developing know-how and expertise, produce, publish and disseminate high-quality and evidence-based journalism, develop innovative formats and audience engagement approaches, while fostering collaboration with civil society actors and their actions, around one or more of the proposed priority thematic areas.

Thematic Areas

Proposals should address only one of the two following main thematic areas:

Theme 1: Democracy Resilience and EU Integration

Support the capacity building of journalists, and production and dissemination of high-quality, evidence-based journalistic content that contributes to democracy resilience and informed public participation, focusing on one or more of the following sub-topics:

- Electoral integrity:

This sub-topic supports the development of high-quality, independent and public-interest media content that contributes to transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral processes across the Western Balkans. Proposed initiatives may focus on election-related monitoring, reporting, and analysis, before, during, and after elections; strengthening public understanding of electoral rules, procedures, and institutions; and examining the impact of electoral processes and democratic standards on the region’s European integration pathway.

Content may include fact-checking of political statements, campaign promises, and election-related narratives; detection and exposure of propaganda, coordinated disinformation campaigns, and other forms of information manipulation aimed at influencing voter behaviour; and investigative reporting on malign domestic or foreign influences that may undermine electoral integrity.

Media organisations are also encouraged to facilitate informed public debate on political programmes, public policies, governance issues, and reform agendas, ensuring that citizens have access to accurate, balanced, and evidence-based information on issues that affect their communities and democratic participation.

- Good governance and Rule of Law:

This sub-topic supports the production and dissemination of independent, evidence-based, and public-interest journalism that promotes transparency, accountability, integrity, and democratic oversight in public life. Proposed initiatives may focus on investigative, data-driven, and solutions-oriented reporting that examines the performance of public institutions, exposes corruption, abuse of power, conflicts of interest, misuse of public resources, state capture, and other practices that undermine the rule of law and democratic governance.

Media content may also scrutinize decision-making processes at national and local levels, monitor the implementation of public policies and reforms, and examine the accountability of political, economic, and other influential societal actors.

Given the central role of good governance and the rule of law in the European Union accession process, proposals may also explore progress, challenges, and public policy implications related to governance reforms, anti-corruption measures, judicial independence, public sector integrity, and alignment with EU standards and values. Through high-quality journalism, media organisations should contribute to strengthening democratic resilience, public trust, and citizens’ ability to hold institutions and decision-makers accountable.

- Countering Digital Threats to Democracy:

This sub-topic supports media content developments and dissemination tackling challenges arising from the digital information environment that undermine informed public debate, civic participation, public trust, and the effective functioning of democratic institutions.

This includes disinformation and misinformation, foreign information manipulation and interference, coordinated online influence campaigns, AI-generated deceptive content, cyberattacks targeting media organizations, public institutions, electoral processes, and other democratic actors, as well as online harassment, intimidation, and other forms of attacks against journalists, civil society representatives, public officials, and democratic institutions.

It also encompasses the misuse of digital platforms to amplify polarization, hate speech, or manipulate public opinion.

Proposed content should strengthen citizens’ resilience to such threats through fact-based reporting, investigative journalism, media and digital literacy, transparency, accountability, and informed public dialogue.

Theme 2: Climate Action, Environmental Resilience and Green Transition

Support production and dissemination of impactful, independent, and evidence-based journalistic content that increases public awareness and understanding of climate change, opportunities arising from the green transition, as well as environmental challenges, including exposure of violations and advocacy efforts around sustainable exploitation of natural resources. Proposed initiatives should contribute to informed public debate, strengthen accountability, and enable citizens and communities to better understand how environmental and climate policies affect their lives, livelihoods, and future.

Capacity building activities for media actors and multimedia content development may focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation; protection of biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources; environmental governance and enforcement; sustainable development; the circular and green economy; energy transition and renewable energy. Media organisations are also encouraged to monitor and report on the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB), including progress, gaps, challenges, and the impact of related policies and investments at national and local levels.

Particular attention may be given to investigative and data-driven reporting on environmental violations, pollution, unsustainable use of natural resources, environmental governance, and the transparency and accountability of public and private actors. Proposals may also address climate and environmental mis- and disinformation, helping audiences distinguish reliable scientific evidence from misleading or false narratives.

The theme also encourages reporting on the social and economic dimensions of the green transition, including its effects on employment, businesses, households, energy affordability, vulnerable communities, regional development, and local economies. Content may explore both challenges and opportunities associated with the transition, as well as the role of innovation, investment, and citizen participation. Where relevant, projects may examine how progress on climate and environmental reforms contributes to the Western Balkans' EU integration process and alignment with EU climate and environmental standards.

The Programme encourages cooperation between media organisations, civil society organisations, field experts and other relevant actors working on the above thematic areas, in order to strengthen thematic expertise of journalists, develop and disseminate innovative and data-driven journalism, design and implement joint advocacy actions, as well as reach underserved audiences and increase public trust and engagement with quality media content.

The call aims to support media organizations to:

• develop and/or consolidate innovative journalism formats, tools and products related to the thematic choice;
• strengthen mechanisms and editorial processes that contribute to high-quality journalism;
• develop data-driven storytelling, fact-checking, evidence based, solution-oriented journalism, and other impactful approaches related to reporting;
• produce and disseminate professional journalism on priority thematic issues;
• develop new approaches to audience engagement and outreach;
• strengthen cooperation between media organisations, civil society organisations and thematic experts;
• organise joint information and advocacy campaigns on concrete causes related to the chosen thematic area;
• strengthen the thematic and professional capacities of journalists;
• contribute to increased audience trust, relevance and engagement with independent media.

4. Partnerships and Collaboration

Partnerships and collaboration are encouraged where they contribute to the quality, reach, relevance, sustainability or impact of the proposed project.

Applicants may collaborate with:

• civil society organisations working on the thematic area;
• thematic experts;
• other media organisations;
• technology and digital ecosystem actors;
• research and academic institutions;
• other relevant organisations or individuals.

Partnerships may involve organisations or individuals:

• from the same country as the lead applicant;
• from another Western Balkan country; or
• from outside the Western Balkans.

Where a partnership and collaboration are proposed, the application should clearly describe the role, contribution and added value of each partner.

5. Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• The applicant should be established and operating in one of the Western Balkans 6 economies.
• Status of applicant: Independent private sector media company or non-for-profit media outlet from the Western Balkans. Public broadcasters and state-controlled media are not eligible.
• Proven commitment to professional and ethical standards of journalism (e.g. through membership in press councils; adherence or compliance with other relevant recognized mechanisms, platforms, etc. established to promote professional and ethical standards in journalism).
• Transparent ownership and/or composition, with no involvement of state or state-affiliated entities; nor of senior political actors or their close relatives.

6. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Applications that meet the eligibility requirements will undergo a competitive evaluation process based on predefined evaluation criteria.

Relevance and Strategic Alignment

• alignment with the objectives and priorities of the Call;
• relevance of the proposed activities to the applicant's needs and context;
• relevance and public-interest value of the expected results.

Proposal Quality and Organisational Capacity

• clarity and coherence of the proposed intervention;
• feasibility of the proposed approach and implementation timeline;
• availability of appropriate human resources and organisational capacities;
• strong collaboration component (LOT 2).

Innovation and Collaboration

• use of innovative approaches, products, formats, tools or business practices where relevant;
• appropriate use of digital solutions to address identified challenges;
• potential for meaningful collaboration and networking.

Impact and Sustainability

• potential to generate meaningful and measurable results;
• potential contribution to the long-term sustainability and resilience of the applicant;
• potential for results to continue or be scaled beyond the grant period.

Transparency, Editorial Standards and Governance

• transparency of ownership and funding;
• adherence to professional and ethical journalism standards;
• quality journalism practices and appropriate labour standards.

Cost-Effectiveness and Value for Money

• reasonableness and proportionality of the proposed budget;
• clear link between planned costs, activities and expected results;
• efficient and effective use of available resources.

7. Application Package

Applicants must submit the complete Application Package using the templates provided for this Call.

The Application Package for LOT 1 consists of:

1. Application Form in word (Template: Application Form LOT 1)
2. Action Plan - Annex 1 (Template: Action Plan)
3. KPI Form - Annex 2 (Template: KPI Template)
4. Budget Form - Annex 3 in excel (Template: Budget Template LOT 1)
5. Supporting documents (see below)

The Application Package for LOT 2 consists of:

1. Application Form in word (Template: Application Form LOT 2)
2. Budget Form - Annex 1 in excel (Template: Budget Template LOT 2)
3. Supporting documents (see below)

The respective templates need to be downloaded, filled in, signed, and sent via email, in word, pdf and excel format, to the following address: [email protected]

Supporting Documents

Applicants must also submit:

• Certificate of legal registration of the applicant
• Certificate of registration/licence from the relevant Media Authority, where applicable
• CV of the organization applying: A brief organisational profile, core expertise and services, relevant experience in media development, etc. (If there is a partnership proposed, please include a CV/organizational profile of the partner too)
• Professional Bios of the staff/experts that will be involved in the implementation of the Project
• Official financial reports for 2025: Balance sheet and Income & Expenses chart
• Tax certificate on financial/fiscal obligations

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by email to: [email protected].

Deadline: 8th of November 2026

8. Important Note

• This is a competitive Call for Proposals. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding.
• Only proposals that meet the eligibility requirements and achieve a sufficiently high scoring against the predefined evaluation criteria will be considered for funding.
• Participation in the Call does not create any entitlement to a grant. All applications will undergo an assessment process conducted by the Programme implementing partners in accordance with the applicable procedures and predefined evaluation criteria.
• The final grant amount may be lower than the maximum amount specified for the relevant Lot, depending on the scope, proposed interventions, feasibility, partnerships involved, geographic area covered, as well as the absorption capacity of each organization.

9. Info Session

A dedicated Information Session will be organized on October 20th, 2026, at 10:00 AM, following this link: Join Info Session

^*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.