Call for Proposals: Media Development for Democracy Resilience Program

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with DW Akademie, invites independent media organizations in the Western Balkans to apply for the #SustainMedia program. This initiative, funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aims to enhance media freedom and pluralism in the region. The application deadline is 8 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and DW Akademie

- Program: #SustainMedia: Support to Media Freedom and Pluralism in the Western Balkans

- Funding Type: Grants

- Eligible Applicants: Independent media organizations, national and local media outlets in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia)

- Deadline: 8 November 2026

- Project Duration: LOT 1 – 24 months; LOT 2 – 12 months

About the Opportunity

The #SustainMedia program aims to bolster the sustainability, resilience, and innovation of independent media organizations amidst a challenging environment marked by financial constraints, evolving audience behaviors, and technological advancements. The program seeks to safeguard the quality of journalism while enhancing public interest reporting. Funding and Benefits The call for proposals features two distinct funding tracks: - LOT 1 – Media Business Development

- Grants Available: Approximately 10

- Maximum Grant Amount: EUR 70,000

- Objective: Strengthen financial and organizational sustainability through innovative business models, revenue diversification, and audience engagement strategies. - LOT 2 – Thematic Journalism, Content and Audience Development

- Grants Available: Approximately 15

- Maximum Grant Amount: EUR 20,000

- Objective: Support high-quality journalism focused on democracy resilience, EU integration, climate action, and environmental resilience through innovative formats and civil society collaboration. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants include independent media organizations and outlets operating in the Western Balkans. Applicants must choose one funding track and can submit only one application under either LOT 1 or LOT 2. The eligibility is not constrained by the size, geographical scope, or development level of the organization. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas LOT 1 – Media Business Development - Business innovation and audience development - Digital transformation and organizational development - Media collaboration and partnerships LOT 2 – Thematic Journalism, Content and Audience Development

- Theme 1: Democracy Resilience and EU Integration

- Electoral integrity, good governance, rule of law, and countering digital threats to democracy

- Theme 2: Climate Action, Environmental Resilience, and Green Transition

- Climate change awareness, environmental governance, and green economy initiatives Why This Opportunity Matters This call supports media organizations in addressing financial challenges and adapting to a rapidly changing media landscape. By promoting innovative business models and thematic journalism, the program enhances media resilience and reinforces the role of journalism in democratic societies. How to Apply - Review the official guidelines provided by GIZ and DW Akademie. - Choose one funding track (LOT 1 or LOT 2) and prepare a detailed proposal. - Submit your application via the official submission portal before 8 November 2026. - Ensure all required documents and information are included in your application. For further details and official application guidelines, visit the GIZ official page. Next Steps Eligible media organizations should carefully review the official guidelines and prepare their applications accordingly. Engaging with this opportunity could significantly enhance the sustainability and impact of your media initiatives in the Western Balkans.