CFAs: Support for Freedom of Expression and Public Discourse (Norway)

Deadline: 23-Oct-2026

The Fritt Ord Foundation supports projects that strengthen freedom of expression, public discourse, art, and culture for the common good. Funding is available for a broad range of publicly accessible initiatives, including journalism, books, films, podcasts, exhibitions, artistic projects, international collaborations, libraries, scholarships, and academic research.

About the Fritt Ord Foundation Grant

The Fritt Ord Foundation provides financial support to projects that contribute to the common good by encouraging freedom of expression, open public debate, and cultural and artistic development. The foundation welcomes projects that are accessible to the public and can contribute meaningfully to society through communication, culture, research, journalism, or artistic expression. What Projects Are Supported? The foundation supports a broad range of projects and activities, including: Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to the foundation’s objectives and contribute to public discourse, freedom of expression, cultural development, or the wider common good. Funding and Disbursement Funding is provided through the Fritt Ord Foundation’s application centre. Grant payments can be made before project expenses are incurred, allowing successful applicants to use the funding to support planned activities. For projects where funding is distributed in instalments, such as certain film projects, applicants must submit subsequent requests for payment by email. Allocated funding that is not claimed within one year may be withdrawn unless the applicant has requested and received approval for a postponement. How Applications Are Evaluated Applications are assessed according to several key criteria, including: Quality of the proposed project. Originality and innovative character. Relevance to the foundation’s objectives. Thoroughness of the proposal. Communication ability, including how effectively the project can reach and engage its intended audience. Certain types of projects may be subject to additional requirements or specific application criteria. Who Should Apply? The opportunity is relevant to individuals, organisations, researchers, artists, journalists, cultural practitioners, and other applicants developing projects that align with the foundation’s objectives. Applicants should carefully review the requirements applicable to their specific project category before submitting an application. Key Considerations for Applicants A strong application should clearly explain: What the project aims to achieve. How it contributes to freedom of expression or public discourse, art, culture, research, or the common good. Why the project is relevant. What makes the project original or valuable. How the project will communicate with and reach its intended audience. How the requested funding will support implementation. Scholarships and other research or cultural activities. Frequently Asked Questions What does the Fritt Ord Foundation support? The foundation supports projects promoting freedom of expression, public discourse, art, culture, and the common good. What types of projects can receive funding? Eligible areas can include journalism, books, films, podcasts, exhibitions, photography, dramatic art, cultural events, academic research, libraries, scholarships, art projects, and international initiatives. Can funding be received before project expenses are incurred? Yes. Funding may be disbursed before project costs are incurred, depending on the approved payment arrangements. Can grants be paid in instalments? Yes. Certain projects, including film projects, may receive funding in instalments. Additional disbursement requests must be submitted by email. What happens if allocated funding is not claimed? Funding that is not claimed within one year may be withdrawn unless the applicant requests a postponement. How are applications evaluated? Applications are assessed based on quality, originality, relevance, thoroughness, and communication ability. Are there additional requirements for some projects? Yes. Certain project categories may have specific requirements, so applicants should review the relevant guidelines before applying. Conclusion The Fritt Ord Foundation Grant provides support for projects that strengthen freedom of expression, public dialogue, and cultural life for the common good. Its broad scope makes the opportunity relevant to journalists, artists, researchers, cultural organisations, filmmakers, publishers, and other applicants developing publicly accessible projects with strong social, cultural, or democratic value.