Questions & Answers
Call for Applications “Media Development for Democracy Resilience”
Whether you are considering applying or just want to learn more about the Call, you can find more information in the Q&A section below.
1. Can a commercial media entity apply under this Call? Or only non-for-profit organisations are eligible?
Both commercial and non-for-profit entities are allowed to apply for both LOTs, as far as they own/manage a media outlet.
2. Can a registered sole proprietor/individual entrepreneur operating in the media sector apply as the lead applicant?
Yes, an individual entrepreneur/sole proprietor can be Lead Applicant as far as he/she is managing/owning a media outlet in the Western Balkans.
3. Can an NGO working on media development issues apply for this Call?
If the NGO is only working on media issues, but not owning/managing a media outlet, they are not eligible.
4. Can Public Broadcasters apply, national or local?
No, public broadcasters cannot apply, neither local nor national. But they can be partners in the application.
5. Are organisations established in 2026 eligible to apply despite not having a 2025 annual financial report or tax receipt?
You can apply regardless of being a recently established media outlet. In this case, you don’t need to submit 2025 annual financial reports. But you can submit a tax certificate showing you don’t have any financial/fiscal unpaid dues.
6. Can the same organisation apply under both lots, acting as the lead applicant for one and as a partner for the other?
One organization cannot apply as Lead Applicant for more than one application, but certainly can be Lead in one application under one Lot, and partner in another application under the other Lot.
7. Can an NGO working on one of the requested thematic areas apply for this Call?
No, the applicant can only be a media outlet. But partnerships with NGOs working on the selected thematic areas are encouraged.
8. Is it mandatory to apply in partnership with another organization/company?
No, partnerships are not obligatory for either LOT, but are encouraged, especially for the second LOT.
9. In case of partnerships, are partnerships with media organisations based in EU countries or countries within the Western Balkans Six (WB6) eligible? If so, what documentation or partnership agreements must be submitted?
Yes, partnerships with WB6 or EU organizations are eligible. No documentation is needed at this point, but you need to demonstrate their expertise and contribution to the implementation within the Proposal Template.
10. When can the implementation of the project start?
Please plan your activities as of February 2027.
11. How does the programme distinguish eligible business-development activities from regular editorial operating costs? Can a Lot 1 project focus primarily on operational efficiency and audience development, or is the development of new revenue streams mandatory?
The development of a new revenue stream is encouraged when it’s relevant but not mandatory. Media Business Development under this Programme includes editorial and audience development too, which contributes to the general development of the media outlet and could lead to more revenue and sustainability.
12. Can a proposal address two thematic areas, such as Democracy Resilience and Climate Action, or must applicants select one primary thematic area?
Yes, the proposal might include more than one thematic area.
13. Is investing in equipment or software allowed? In what percentage? What about in multimedia studio redesign and similar investments?
All the above-mentioned investments are allowed, without any limitation in percentages, as far as they serve the purpose of the proposal.
14. Is there a maximum percentage or budget ceiling for staff and salary costs under Lot 1? Can existing employees and production team members working on the project be funded through the grant? What about the second Lot?
There is no limitation on salaries or production team costs for either LOT, as far as these costs are justified and connected to the outcomes of the Proposal.
15. Is there a maximum permitted percentage or budget ceiling for administrative costs under Lot 1?
The limit is 7% for administrative costs, not including salaries.
16. What procurement thresholds and procedures apply to the purchase of equipment and the contracting of external services?
Once you are selected and awarded a grant contract, you will need at least three offers for purchases and services above 1,000 Euro. Only in North Macedonia the upper limit is 500 Euro.
17. Is engagement of the external experts allowed? For example, if we don’t have enough experts within our media, can we engage someone outside the organization as a consultant?
Yes, you can contract as many external experts and collaborators as you need. They need to be included in Section 2 of the budget. Additionally, a comprehensive professional profile/Bio of these experts should be included as part of the Application.
18. Should the budget be prepared in euros or in the local currency?
The Budget should be prepared in Euro.
Info Session Presentation - Media Development for Democracy Resilience
The presentation from the SustainMedia Info Session held on 20 October 2026 provides an overview of the Call for Applications “Media Development for Democracy Resilience”. It covers the call’s objectives, eligibility criteria, LOT 1 and LOT 2 priority areas, application procedures, budget guidelines, evaluation criteria and selection process.
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